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Basic Memory MCP Server

Provides a local-first MCP server to read and write a Markdown-based knowledge base with a bidirectional knowledge graph.

Installation
Add the following to your MCP client configuration file.

Configuration

View docs
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "basicmachines-co-basic-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "basic-memory",
        "mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "BASIC_MEMORY_LOG_LEVEL": "DEBUG"
      }
    }
  }
}

Basic Memory MCP Server lets you run a local, bidirectional knowledge graph that a compatible LLM can read from and write to using the Model Context Protocol. It enables persistent, Markdown-based knowledge stored on your machine while offering optional cloud features and cloud-based synchronization when you choose to use them.

How to use

You connect an MCP client (such as Claude Desktop) to the Basic Memory MCP server to read, write, and navigate your local knowledge base. The server runs locally and communicates through MCP, allowing the client to access and modify Markdown notes, manage the knowledge graph, and perform searches.

Typical usage flow:

        Practical actions you can perform with the MCP server include creating notes, reading notes by title or permalink, examining raw content, viewing notes in a formatted form, editing notes incrementally, moving notes, and deleting notes. You can also build context across your knowledge graph, browse directories, and perform filtered searches.

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

        Available tools

        write_note

        Create or update notes with a title, content, folder, and tags.

        read_note

        Read notes by title or permalink.

        read_content

        Read raw file content, including text, images, and binaries.

        view_note

        View notes as formatted artifacts.

        edit_note

        Edit notes incrementally with specified operation and content.

        move_note

        Move notes while maintaining database consistency.

        delete_note

        Delete notes from the knowledge base.

        build_context

        Navigate the knowledge graph via memory:// URLs.

        recent_activity

        Find recently updated information within the graph.

        list_directory

        Browse directory contents with optional filtering.

        search

        Search across your knowledge base.

        search_notes

        Search notes with advanced filters and project scoping.

        search_by_metadata

        Perform structured frontmatter searches.

        list_memory_projects

        List all available projects.

        create_memory_project

        Create new knowledge projects.

        get_current_project

        Show current project statistics.

        sync_status

        Check synchronization status.

        cloud_info

        Show cloud overview and setup guidance.

        release_notes

        Show latest release notes.

        canvas

        Generate knowledge visualizations of nodes and relations.