# Connect ChatGPT to your knowledge base

To connect ChatGPT to KnowMan, add `https://api.knowman.io/mcp` as a custom [MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base), then [sign in](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base) through KnowMan’s consent page and approve access. [KnowMan’s hosted server uses Streamable HTTP](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp), and [ChatGPT supports custom MCP connections on the web](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

## Check ChatGPT plan and platform access

[Full MCP support is available to ChatGPT Business and Enterprise/Edu customers on the web](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt). [Pro users can connect custom MCP servers with read/fetch permissions](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt). [Custom MCP connections are web-only](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

## Add KnowMan as a custom MCP server

In ChatGPT, go to Plugins, select the plus button, then choose “Add custom MCP server.” [OpenAI documents these steps](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt). [Developer Mode does not need to be enabled first](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

Enter a name and optional description. For the public HTTPS endpoint, enter `https://api.knowman.io/mcp`. [ChatGPT’s connection form accepts a public HTTPS MCP endpoint](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt), and [this is KnowMan’s hosted Streamable HTTP server](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

## Sign in and approve KnowMan access

Choose OAuth authentication. The client opens a KnowMan consent page where you sign in and approve access. [KnowMan documents OAuth consent for its hosted server](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp), and [ChatGPT supports OAuth for custom MCP plugins](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/custom-mcp-server).

The consent page defines `knowman.read` for search, read, and ask, and `knowman.write` for saving links. [KnowMan documents these OAuth scopes](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp). [KnowMan access tokens last one hour and refresh automatically](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

## Create and install the plugin

Review ChatGPT’s risk warning and select the confirmation checkbox. Select “Create as a plugin,” then review the discovered tools and metadata. [These are the documented ChatGPT setup steps](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

Find the resulting plugin in your personal plugins or workspace and install it before using it in a conversation. [OpenAI documents installation as a required step](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/custom-mcp-server).

## Ask ChatGPT to search or save

In a chat, type `@` and select the installed plugin. [OpenAI documents this way to select a custom MCP plugin](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/custom-mcp-server).

Try a request such as “search my KnowMan for …” or “save this URL.” [KnowMan documents these example requests](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp). Its server lists six tools: `kb_search`, `kb_ask`, `kb_get_item`, `kb_save`, `kb_recent`, and `kb_memories`. [The tool list is in the KnowMan MCP documentation](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

## Where KnowMan fits

KnowMan saves articles and links, [answers questions](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base) with citations, and keeps memories such as claims, decisions, and playbooks. [The hosted MCP server connects ChatGPT to those documented tools](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

ChatGPT connects to remote MCP servers. [OpenAI says a local or private server needs a Secure MCP Tunnel](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt). KnowMan also offers a local [stdio server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server) through `npx -y @knowman/mcp`, but this guide uses its hosted endpoint. [KnowMan documents both server options](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

New to MCP? Read [what an MCP server is](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server). For ChatGPT's own memory, see [how to give ChatGPT memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-give-chatgpt-memory), and for the newer agent product, [ChatGPT Dots and your knowledge base](https://www.knowman.io/guides/chatgpt-dots-knowledge-base).

## Questions

### Do I need to enable Developer Mode first?

No. ChatGPT’s current custom MCP setup does not require Developer Mode before adding a server. [See OpenAI’s setup instructions](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

### Which ChatGPT plans support custom MCP servers?

Business and Enterprise/Edu customers have full MCP support on ChatGPT web. Pro users can connect custom MCP servers with read/fetch permissions. [OpenAI lists plan availability here](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

### Can ChatGPT connect to a local KnowMan MCP server?

ChatGPT connects to remote MCP servers, not directly to a local server. OpenAI says private, on-premises, or developer-machine servers need Secure MCP Tunnel. [Read OpenAI’s guidance](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12584461-connecting-custom-mcp-servers-in-chatgpt).

### What can the KnowMan MCP server do?

KnowMan documents six tools for search, asking, reading an item, saving a link, viewing recent items, and reading memories. [See the KnowMan MCP tool list](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

## Related guides

- [Connect your knowledge base through KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base)

- [How Do You Connect AI to Your Notes?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes)

- [How to Give ChatGPT Memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-give-chatgpt-memory)

## More in this topic

- [KnowMan MCP server: open source](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowman-mcp-open-source)
- [A calmer Mac for reading](https://www.knowman.io/guides/a-calmer-mac-for-reading)
- [Check a claim before you save it](https://www.knowman.io/guides/check-a-claim-before-you-save-it)

## Give ChatGPT useful context

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Source: https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-chatgpt-to-your-knowledge-base