# Basic Memory

> Persistent AI memory as local Markdown files that both you and the model can read and edit.

## Facts
- **Category:** [MCP Servers](https://agentsearchengine.app/category/mcp-servers)
- **Type:** MCP server
- **Pricing:** Open source
- **GitHub stars:** 4,027
- **Language:** Python
- **License:** AGPL-3.0
- **Last repo activity:** today (Sep 23, 2026)
- **Official site:** https://basicmemory.com
- **Source code:** https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory
- **Listing on Agent Search Engine:** https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/basic-memory
- **Data verified:** September 2026

## Best for
People who want AI memory they can read, edit and keep as plain files.

## Avoid if
Your organisation can't adopt AGPL-3.0 software.

## About Basic Memory
Basic Memory stores what an assistant learns as Markdown notes on your machine and links them into a knowledge graph, so Claude, Codex, Cursor, ChatGPT and other MCP clients can pick up where they left off. The files work in Obsidian-style vaults. A paid hosted and team service is offered alongside the open-source local server.

## Connect to an MCP client
Launch command from the project's README: `uvx --prerelease=allow basic-memory mcp`

### Claude Code (Run in your terminal)

```shell
claude mcp add basic-memory -- uvx --prerelease=allow basic-memory mcp
```

### Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json or .cursor/mcp.json)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "basic-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--prerelease=allow", "basic-memory", "mcp"]
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json)

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "basic-memory": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--prerelease=allow", "basic-memory", "mcp"]
    }
  }
}
```

### Claude Desktop (claude_desktop_config.json)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "basic-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--prerelease=allow", "basic-memory", "mcp"]
    }
  }
}
```

### Codex (~/.codex/config.toml)

```toml
[mcp_servers.basic-memory]
command = "uvx"
args = ["--prerelease=allow", "basic-memory", "mcp"]
```

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