Basic Memory

Basic Memory is an open source knowledge management system that stores AI context and research in a structured Markdown graph for use across different models.

Basic Memory functions as a knowledge graph for individuals and teams to organize notes, decisions, and workflows. It stores information in plain Markdown files, allowing users to maintain ownership of data while connecting it to various AI tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). The software enables semantic and hybrid search to locate information by meaning rather than just keywords. It supports structured data through frontmatter and defined schemas for tasks, people, and tickets. The system integrates with various development tools and provides a path to sync information across machines or deploy it for agent fleets.

Basic Memory at a glance

Best for: Writer, Software engineer, Researcher
Runs on: Web, VS Code, self-hosted, open source
Pricing: Free open source (AGPL-3.0); Team $15/seat/month; Business $30/seat/month; credit-based usage for agents
Released: December 2024
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: basicmemory.com

Key features

Semantic and hybrid search
Structured data filtering with frontmatter
Schema-based validation for note types
Typed relations for graph connectivity
Plain Markdown file storage
Model Context Protocol (MCP) support
Cross-device synchronization

Use it for

Managing company processes and documentation
Connecting conversation context to task lists
Building research databases for AI agents
Organizing client tickets and project notes

Alternatives to Basic Memory

LLM Wiki Compiler — Compiles raw sources into a citation-traced, interlinked markdown wiki.
IWE — Works natively across Mac apps, text editors, terminal CLI, and MCP servers.
Surf — It combines local data storage with flexible AI model integration.
Obsidian Wiki — Compiles knowledge into markdown and carries context across agent sessions.
SiYuan — Privacy-first personal knowledge management with local storage and block-based editing.
AI Memory — Shared memory for coding agents that works across machines and team members.
Karakeep — Provides AI-based automatic tagging and semantic search for saved content.
Deep Recall — Keep your personal context and history when switching between different AI tools.
Make0 Brain — Maintains persistent and portable memory across different AI applications.
LLM Wiki — Automates the maintenance and bookkeeping of knowledge base articles.
Trim 1 — Runs on one CPU core in milliseconds with no GPU or network calls required.
Karpathy LLM Wiki — Maintains a compounding markdown knowledge base instead of re-searching raw documents.

All Basic Memory alternatives