Basic Memory
AI conversations that actually remember. Never re-explain your project to your AI again. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/tyvKNccgqN
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What is Basic Memory?
Basic Memory is an open-source, local-first knowledge management system that transforms AI conversations into persistent, interconnected knowledge. It stores all information as plain Markdown files on your device, allowing both you and AI assistants to read, write, and search the same knowledge base. The system uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to connect with compatible AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Cursor, and VS Code, enabling persistent context across conversations and sessions.
Key features include a semantic knowledge graph that automatically links related ideas across conversations, projects, and tools. The system offers bi-directional read/write access for users and AI, full-text search via SQLite FTS, and optional cloud sync for cross-device access. Basic Memory includes a web editor for knowledge management from any browser, works with Obsidian for vault synchronization, and provides team features like shared workspaces, member management, and audit logs.
Basic Memory is designed for knowledge workers, researchers, developers, writers, and teams who want their AI to remember past conversations and build on previous work. It's particularly valuable for those who lose context after each chat session, want to maintain project continuity over time, or need AI assistants that can reference work from weeks or months ago. The open-source nature (AGPL-3.0 license) appeals to privacy-conscious users who want complete control over their data.
The tool creates a 'ground truth' knowledge platform using three core components: entities, observations, and relations. This structure enables AI to understand how data relates, what's important, and how everything fits together. Users can import full ChatGPT conversation history, and the system works across desktop, mobile, and web platforms with plain text files that remain portable and accessible forever.
Basic Memory pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Basic Memory offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card required. After the trial, the cloud version costs $15/seat/month with monthly billing calculated automatically at checkout. The plan includes AI collaboration via MCP, shared workspaces for teams and agents, team member management and audit logs, full-text search across notes and projects, desktop/mobile/web access, private exportable Markdown files, 50,000 notes per seat, and 1,000 note updates per seat per day. You can add or remove seats anytime and cancel anytime with your data staying yours. There's also an Agent Infrastructure plan with custom credit-based usage for agent fleets, automation, enterprise, and on-prem needs. For power users, the local version is completely free and open source (AGPL-3.0) with complete control and privacy when installed locally. An OSS discount code BMFOSS provides 20% off for 3 months.
Basic Memory pros
- Open source under AGPL-3.0 license with complete code transparency
- Local-first design keeps data on your device for privacy
- Plain Markdown files ensure portability and long-term accessibility
- MCP-native integration works with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Cursor, VS Code
- Semantic knowledge graph automatically connects related ideas
- Bi-directional read/write access for both users and AI
- Persistent context across conversations and sessions
- 7-day free trial with no credit card required
- Full-text search via SQLite FTS for robust retrieval
- Optional cloud sync enables cross-device access
- Built-in web editor for browser-based knowledge management
- Syncs with Obsidian vaults for existing note-taking workflows
- Team features include shared workspaces and audit logs
- 50,000 notes per seat with 1,000 daily updates included
- Import full ChatGPT conversation history seamlessly
- No API keys or external storage dependencies required
- Cancel anytime with data ownership guaranteed
Basic Memory cons
- Requires MCP support in AI tool for integration
- 7-day trial only, no permanently free tier for cloud version
- $15/seat/month pricing may be expensive for individual users
- SQLite FTS search has known constraints and limitations
- Local version requires technical setup with uv and Python
- 1,000 note updates per seat per day limit on paid plan
- Relatively new project with smaller community than established tools
- Cloud version requires subscription for ongoing access
Frequently asked questions about Basic Memory
What is Basic Memory?
Basic Memory is an open-source, local-first knowledge management system that turns AI conversations into persistent, structured knowledge you control. Instead of losing context after each chat, it stores information as simple Markdown files on your device, allowing both you and AI to read and write to the same knowledge base. It uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) so compatible AI tools can access, update, and build on your notes across sessions.
Which AI tools work with Basic Memory?
Basic Memory works with any AI tool that supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Claude web and mobile, ChatGPT Desktop, Cursor, Codex CLI, VS Code, and Gemini. Claude Desktop works especially well with Basic Memory. If your tool supports MCP, Basic Memory will work with it.
Is Basic Memory really open source?
Yes, Basic Memory is fully open source under the AGPL-3.0 license. The code is available on GitHub, and you can run it locally, self-host it, contribute to it, or just explore the code. Power users can install the local version for free with complete control and privacy. Your knowledge stays in plain Markdown files that you own forever.
How does the knowledge graph work?
Basic Memory creates a semantic knowledge graph by automatically linking related notes and ideas across conversations, projects, and tools. It uses three core components: entities, observations, and relations. This enables the AI to understand how your data is related, what's important, and how it all fits together. Mention someone on Monday and ask about their project on Friday—the system has already linked them.
Where is my data stored?
Basic Memory is local-first, meaning your data stays on your device as plain Markdown files. You can run it completely locally with no cloud dependency, or use Basic Memory Cloud for instant access from any browser. You can also sync between local and cloud, or keep everything offline—It's your choice. The company cannot see your data because it never leaves your machine when running locally.
Can I use Basic Memory for free?
Yes, the local version is completely free and open source with no subscription required. You install it locally using uv tool install basic-memory and get complete control and privacy. The cloud version offers a 7-day free trial, then costs $15/seat/month. There's also an OSS discount code BMFOSS for 20% off for 3 months on the cloud version.
What happens when I cancel my subscription?
When you cancel, your data stays yours. All your notes are stored in plain Markdown files that you can open, read, edit, and keep forever. You can export your data anytime. The cancellation is flexible—you can add or remove seats anytime and cancel anytime without losing access to your files.
How do I install Basic Memory?
For the local version, use uv (recommended): run 'uv tool install basic-memory', then configure mcpServers in your AI tool's config with the command 'uvx' and args ['basic-memory', 'mcp']. Setup takes under two minutes. For cloud, visit basicmemory.com and start the 7-day free trial. The web editor requires no installation and works from any browser.
Can teams use Basic Memory together?
Yes, the $15/seat/month plan includes team features: shared workspaces for teams and agents, team member management, audit logs, and full-text search across notes and projects. You can add or remove seats anytime. There's also an Agent Infrastructure plan with custom deployment, enterprise, or on-prem options for larger teams with agent fleets and automation needs.
Can I switch from ChatGPT to Basic Memory?
Yes, you can import your full ChatGPT conversation history—every chat becomes searchable in plain text that you own. Many users have switched from GPT and Gemini to exclusively Claude and Claude Code because of the Basic Memory integration. Your conversation history becomes part of your persistent knowledge base that AI can reference going forward.