# Getting Started with Basic Memory This guide will help you install Basic Memory, configure it with Claude Desktop, and create your first knowledge notes through conversations. Basic Memory uses the [Model Context Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction) (MCP) to connect with LLMs. It can be used with any service that supports the MCP, but Claude Desktop works especially well. ## Installation ### 1. Install Basic Memory ```bash # Install with uv (recommended) uv install basic-memory # Or with pip pip install basic-memory ``` > **Important**: You need to install Basic Memory using one of the commands above to use the command line tools. ### 2. Configure Claude Desktop Claude Desktop often has trouble finding executables in your user path. Follow these steps for a reliable setup: #### Step 1: Find the absolute path to uvx Open Terminal and run: ```bash which uvx ``` This will show you the full path (e.g., `/Users/yourusername/.cargo/bin/uvx`). #### Step 2: Edit Claude Desktop Configuration Edit the configuration file located at `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`: ```json { "mcpServers": { "basic-memory": { "command": "/absolute/path/to/uvx", "args": [ "basic-memory", "mcp" ] } } } ``` Replace `/absolute/path/to/uvx` with the actual path you found in Step 1. > **Note**: Using absolute paths is necessary because Claude Desktop cannot access binaries in your user PATH. #### Step 3: Restart Claude Desktop Close and reopen Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect. ### 3. Start the Sync Service Start the sync service to monitor your files for changes: ```bash # One-time sync basic-memory sync # For continuous monitoring (recommended) basic-memory sync --watch ``` The `--watch` flag enables automatic detection of file changes, keeping your knowledge base current. ### 4. Staying Updated To update Basic Memory when new versions are released: ```bash # Update with uv (recommended) uv tool upgrade basic-memory # Or with pip pip install --upgrade basic-memory ``` > **Note**: After updating, you'll need to restart Claude Desktop and your sync process for changes to take effect. ## Troubleshooting Installation ### Common Issues #### Claude Says "No Basic Memory Tools Available" If Claude cannot find Basic Memory tools: 1. **Check absolute paths**: Ensure you're using complete absolute paths to uvx in the Claude Desktop configuration 2. **Verify installation**: Run `basic-memory --version` in Terminal to confirm Basic Memory is installed 3. **Restart applications**: Restart both Terminal and Claude Desktop after making configuration changes 4. **Check sync status**: Ensure `basic-memory sync --watch` is running #### Permission Issues If you encounter permission errors: 1. Check that Basic Memory has access to create files in your home directory 2. Ensure Claude Desktop has permission to execute the uvx command ## Creating Your First Knowledge Note 1. **Start the sync process** in a Terminal window: ```bash basic-memory sync --watch ``` Keep this running in the background. 2. **Open Claude Desktop** and start a new conversation. 3. **Have a natural conversation** about any topic: ``` You: "Let's talk about coffee brewing methods I've been experimenting with." Claude: "I'd be happy to discuss coffee brewing methods..." You: "I've found that pour over gives more flavor clarity than French press..." ``` 4. **Ask Claude to create a note**: ``` You: "Could you create a note summarizing what we've discussed about coffee brewing?" ``` 5. **Confirm note creation**: Claude will confirm when the note has been created and where it's stored. 6. **View the created file** in your `~/basic-memory` directory using any text editor or Obsidian. The file structure will look similar to: ```markdown --- title: Coffee Brewing Methods permalink: coffee-brewing-methods --- # Coffee Brewing Methods ## Observations - [method] Pour over provides more clarity... - [technique] Water temperature at 205°F... ## Relations - relates_to [[Other Coffee Topics]] ``` ## Using Special Prompts Basic Memory includes special prompts that help you start conversations with context from your knowledge base: ### Continue Conversation To resume a previous topic: ``` You: "Let's continue our conversation about coffee brewing." ``` This prompt triggers Claude to: 1. Search your knowledge base for relevant content about coffee brewing 2. Build context from these documents 3. Resume the conversation with full awareness of previous discussions ### Recent Activity To see what you've been working on: ``` You: "What have we been discussing recently?" ``` This prompt causes Claude to: 1. Retrieve documents modified in the recent past 2. Summarize the topics and main points 3. Offer to continue any of those discussions ### Search To find specific information: ``` You: "Find information about pour over coffee methods." ``` Claude will: 1. Search your knowledge base for relevant documents 2. Summarize the key findings 3. Offer to explore specific documents in more detail See [[User Guide#Using Special Prompts]] for further information. ## Using Your Knowledge Base ### Referencing Knowledge In future conversations, reference your existing knowledge: ``` You: "What water temperature did we decide was optimal for coffee brewing?" ``` Or directly reference notes using memory:// URLs: ``` You: "Take a look at memory://coffee-brewing-methods and let's discuss how to improve my technique." ``` ### Building On Previous Knowledge Basic Memory enables continuous knowledge building: 1. **Reference previous discussions** in new conversations 2. **Add to existing notes** through conversations 3. **Create connections** between related topics 4. **Follow relationships** to build comprehensive context ## Importing Existing Conversations Import your existing AI conversations: ```bash # From Claude basic-memory import claude conversations # From ChatGPT basic-memory import chatgpt ``` After importing, run `basic-memory sync` to index everything. ## Quick Tips - Keep `basic-memory sync --watch` running in a terminal window - Use special prompts (Continue Conversation, Recent Activity, Search) to start contextual discussions - Build connections between notes for a richer knowledge graph - Use direct memory:// URLs when you need precise context - Use git to version control your knowledge base - Review and edit AI-generated notes for accuracy ## Next Steps After getting started, explore these areas: 1. **Read the [[User Guide]]** for comprehensive usage instructions 2. **Understand the [[Knowledge Format]]** to learn how knowledge is structured 3. **Set up [[Obsidian Integration]]** for visual knowledge navigation 4. **Learn about [[Canvas]]** visualizations for mapping concepts 5. **Review the [[CLI Reference]]** for command line tools