Basic Memory

AI With Context. Conversations That Build Knowledge.

Your AI takes notes on every conversation in local files, then builds context for future conversations, forming a knowledge graph that grows with you.

AI assistants can load context from local files in a new conversation

Notes are saved locally as Markdown files in real time

No project knowledge or special prompting required

100% in your control —edit anytime, always in sync, always connected

Your notes, your files. Stored locally in Markdown for easy access—by both you and AI.

Get Started View on GitHub

What is Basic Memory?

Basic Memory is a knowledge management tool that preserves context from your conversations with AI assistants like Claude. It creates a network of connected notes that both you and AI can access, building a personal knowledge graph that grows over time.

The Problem

AI conversations disappear after each chat.

You repeat yourself, lose context, and can't build on previous insights.

The Solution

Basic Memory saves knowledge as connected Markdown files.

Smart tools find and retrieve only what's relevant - no need to upload your entire knowledge base.

How It Works

Interact naturally with AIs to build and access your knowledge base.

1

Build on Past Knowledge

AI references previous notes in future conversations.

"Let's continue our conversation about coffee brewing."

AI retrieves relevant notes rather than loading everything.

2

Chat Naturally

Have normal conversations with AI assistants like Claude.

"Find information about pour over coffee methods."

AI searches your knowledge base and summarizes findings.

3

Save Knowledge

Ask Claude to create a note about your conversation.

"Create a note about coffee brewing methods."

AI creates a structured note with observations and relations.

Key Features

Local Markdown Files

All your knowledge stays in plain text files on your computer.

Knowledge Graph

Notes automatically connect through semantic links and observations.

Obsidian Integration

View and edit your knowledge base with the Obsidian editor.

Bi-directional Flow

Edit files directly or through AI conversations.

Conversation Continuity

Pick up exactly where you left off, even weeks later. AI assistants maintain context across all your interactions.

Multiple Projects

Manage separate knowledge bases for different purposes—work, personal research, or specific domains.

Ideal For

Researchers

Build a growing knowledge base from your AI research conversations. Connect concepts across domains.

Writers

Maintain consistent voice and content across projects. Build a personal knowledge corpus for your work.

Developers

Document technical decisions and architectures. Create living documentation that evolves with your code.

Obsidian Integration

Visual knowledge navigation with the Obsidian editor.

Ask the AI to create visualizations of your knowledge:

"Create a canvas showing the connections between my coffee brewing notes."

AI generates .canvas files that provide visual maps of your knowledge, viewable in Obsidian.

Obsidian Graph View

Graph View shows connections between topics

Canvas Visualization

Canvas provides visual knowledge mapping

Get Started

Basic Memory uses the Model Context Protol (MCP) to connect with LLMs. It can be used with any service that supports the MCP, but Claude Desktop works especially well.

Install into your local environment

# Install with uv (recommended)
uv tool install basic-memory

# configure mcpServers config
"mcpServers": {
  "basic-memory": {
    "command": "uvx",
    "args": ["basic-memory", "mcp"]
  }
}

# Run sync to monitor files for changes
uv tool run basic-memory sync --watch

Once installed, you can start saving knowledge from any Claude conversation.

Complete Installation Guide

Technical Details

File Format

Basic Memory uses plain Markdown with simple semantic patterns:

coffee-brewing-methods.md

---
title: Coffee Brewing Methods
permalink: coffee-brewing-methods
type: note
tags:
- coffee
- brewing
---

# Coffee Brewing Methods

## Observations

- [method] Pour over provides more clarity and highlights subtle flavors
- [technique] Water temperature at 205°F (96°C) extracts optimal compounds
- [principle] Freshly ground beans preserve aromatics and flavor

## Relations

- relates_to [[Coffee Bean Origins]]
- requires [[Proper Grinding Technique]]
- affects [[Flavor Extraction]]

Basic Memory captures structured knowledge from normal conversations and builds semantic connections automatically.

View Technical Information

Beta Software

Basic Memory is in beta while we finalize features. We're developing a packaged app version that offers a streamlined installation experience.

Coming Soon: Basic Memory Pro

A standalone GUI application with simplified installation and convenient features:

One-click installation
Visual knowledge management interface
Enhanced visualization tools
Simplified multi-project management
Priority support

We're also exploring opportunities to integrate with agentic systems to bring deeper context and memory to AI assistants in business, research, and personal productivity settings.

AGPL License

Basic Memory is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0).

Commercial licenses are also available for business use.

View Source Code

Build Knowledge That Grows With Every Conversation

Stop losing valuable context in AI chats.

View on GitHub