IWE

IWE is a markdown knowledge graph application that provides memory and tools for humans and AI agents.

IWE is a native Mac application and markdown knowledge graph designed for both humans and AI agents like Claude Code and Codex. It organizes notes in plain markdown files stored in a local folder, making them fully compatible with standard text editors like VS Code, Neovim, Zed, and Helix. The system features a language server for link navigation and refactoring, a query language, and a command-line interface with an MCP server for agent memory. Users can visualize graphs, render diagrams, track block-level diffs, and query structured data. Agents can read, search, write, and execute guarded edits directly within the knowledge base while schemas protect data structure integrity.

IWE at a glance

Best for: Writer, Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, VS Code, Neovim, Helix, Zed, CLI
Pricing: Free
Released: September 2024
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: iwe.md

Key features

Read nested linked notes as a single document
Navigate notes and links using keyboard shortcuts
Render Mermaid diagrams and SVG images
Perform full-text search and saved queries
Track block-level diffs on edits
Execute CLI tools and MCP server operations
Enforce document schemas on agent writes

Use it for

Have Claude Code restructure project specs and decisions
Split long design docs into linked notes in Neovim
Let Codex trace open decisions through the CLI
Research web pages and bring findings into memory

Alternatives to IWE

Basic Memory — Stores data in local Markdown files that remain accessible and readable by any AI.
LLM Wiki Compiler — Compiles raw sources into a citation-traced, interlinked markdown wiki.
Claudian — Turns an Obsidian vault into a functional directory for AI agents.
Obsidian Wiki — Compiles knowledge into markdown and carries context across agent sessions.
Claude Obsidian — Maintains user ownership of files in a local-first, source-cited vault.
ShareCube — Publish agent artifacts to URLs for team annotation and editing.
MarkItDown AI — Convert local documents directly in your browser without installing Python.
SoloMD — An open-source, local-first editor with no accounts or subscriptions required.
CodeGraph — It eliminates file crawling, reducing AI agent tool calls by 88% and cutting costs.
DotMD — Reviews documents like code with line-specific agent fixes.
Lucid — Converts dictated text into structured notes and diagrams using a local model.
Open Knowledge — Local-first open source markdown editor with built-in agent tools.

All IWE alternatives