A local knowledge management system that builds a semantic graph from Markdown files, providing persistent memory in conversations with LLMs through natural language interactions.

Installation

UV Tool

uv tool install basic-memory

Smithery

npx -y @smithery/cli install @basicmachines-co/basic-memory --client claude

Configuration

Claude Desktop

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

Claude Desktop with Project

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "basic-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "basic-memory",
        "mcp",
        "--project",
        "your-project-name"
      ]
    }
  }
}

VS Code User Settings

{
  "mcp": {
    "servers": {
      "basic-memory": {
        "command": "uvx",
        "args": ["basic-memory", "mcp"]
      }
    }
  }
}

VS Code Workspace

{
  "servers": {
    "basic-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["basic-memory", "mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Available Tools

Tool	Description
write_note	Create or update notes
read_note	Read notes by name or permalink
read_content	Read raw file content (text, images, binary files)
view_note	View notes as formatted artifacts
edit_note	Edit notes step by step
move_note	Move notes while preserving database integrity
delete_note	Delete notes from the knowledge base
build_context	Navigate the knowledge graph through memory:// URLs
recent_activity	Find recently updated information
list_directory	View directory contents with filtering
search	Search across the entire knowledge base
list_memory_projects	Show all available projects
create_memory_project	Create new projects
get_current_project	Show current project statistics
sync_status	Check synchronization status

Features

• Local storage in Markdown files
• Bidirectional reading and writing between humans and LLMs
• Structured knowledge graph with semantic patterns
• Real-time synchronization across devices
• Compatibility with Obsidian and other Markdown editors
• SQLite database for indexing and search
• Cloud synchronization with cross-platform support
• Multiple project management
• Semantic connections and observations tracking
• Knowledge visualization with canvas generation

Usage Examples

Create a note about coffee brewing methods

What do I know about pour over coffee?

Find information about Ethiopian beans

Create a note about our project architecture decisions

Find information about JWT authentication in my notes

Notes

Supports two types of databases (SQLite and Postgres). Cloud service available with early adopter pricing (25% discount forever). Files are stored in ~/basic-memory by default. Compatible with Claude Desktop, VS Code, and other MCP clients. Includes CLI tools for synchronization, import, and project management.