Start with a clear instruction
Tell Claude what it should know and how it should use that knowledge. You can ask it to remember your role, projects, preferences, working style, or ongoing work. Claude saves memory as individual topics while you chat, and changes apply to your next conversation.
Use memory for durable context
Claude Desktop memory can carry context from chats into new conversations. You can inspect and edit saved memory topics in Settings. You can pause memory while keeping existing memories, or turn memory off for one chat from the plus menu.
Search earlier conversations
Ask Claude naturally about a topic or a conversation you discussed before. On eligible paid plans, Claude can search previous chats on the web, Claude Desktop, and Claude Mobile. Past-chat searches use retrieval-augmented generation and appear as tool calls in the conversation.
Keep project context separate
Each Claude project has separate memory. While working in one project, Claude uses that project's memory and account memory from chats outside projects, but not memory from other projects. Turn off "Use account memory" on the project page when you want stronger separation.
Connect KnowMan as reference material
The KnowMan MCP server is a local stdio server for Claude Desktop. Add it to claude_desktop_config.json with npx, the arguments ["-y","@knowman/mcp"], and KNOWMAN_API_KEY in the environment, then restart the app. The package requires Node 22 or newer. See the MCP server guide.
Search, read, ask, and save
With KnowMan connected, Claude can use kb_search to find saved items by keyword or meaning, kb_get_item to read one item, kb_ask to answer with citations, and kb_save to save a URL to Inbox or Knowledge Base with an optional note. These tools let Claude work with saved material rather than only with pasted text. See the KnowMan MCP guide.
Where KnowMan fits
Claude Desktop can retain context through memory and search eligible past chats. KnowMan adds a separate library of saved articles, links, notes, and memories that Claude can search, read, question, and extend through MCP. See connecting AI to your notes and giving your AI context.
Questions people ask
What is the simplest way to teach Claude Desktop my knowledge?
Start by telling Claude what to remember and how to use it, such as your role, preferences, working style, or current project. Claude Desktop memory can carry that context into new conversations.
Can Claude Desktop search my earlier conversations?
Yes, on eligible paid plans. Ask Claude naturally about a topic or earlier conversation, and it can search relevant past chats.
How does KnowMan give Claude Desktop access to my saved articles?
Connect the local KnowMan MCP server to Claude Desktop. Claude can then use kb_search, kb_get_item, kb_ask, and kb_save to find, read, question, and save material in your KnowMan library. See the MCP server guide.