# How to teach LM Studio your knowledge

LM Studio does not learn from chats. Give a model context with instructions, reusable presets, attached documents, or an [MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base), depending on what you need. Connect KnowMan's hosted MCP server to let an assistant [search your saved](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base) reading.

## What LM Studio means by knowledge

LM Studio says chats do not train or otherwise change what a model knows. The model uses content in the chat or configuration, such as a [system prompt](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context). [LM Studio explains chat context](https://lmstudio.ai/docs/app/basics/chat).

A model's context is its working memory and has a maximum size. Short files that fit can be added in full, while very long documents may use retrieval to provide relevant portions. [LM Studio describes context and RAG](https://lmstudio.ai/docs/app/basics/rag).

## Set reusable instructions with a Preset

Create a Preset with a system prompt for instructions you want to reuse across chats. A Preset can also store settings such as Temperature, Top P, and Max Tokens, and you can switch presets for different uses. [See LM Studio Presets](https://lmstudio.ai/docs/app/presets).

Presets are JSON files. LM Studio documents importing them from disk, pulling them from a URL, or publishing them to the LM Studio Hub. See the Presets guide.

## Attach files to provide source material

Attach a .docx, .pdf, or .txt file to a chat to give the model additional context. If a document fits within the model's context, LM Studio adds its contents in full. Read the LM Studio file and RAG guide.

For very long files or several long files, LM Studio can use Retrieval-Augmented Generation to retrieve relevant portions. Its documentation notes that this can require tuning and experimentation. Queries may work better when they include terms and ideas likely to appear in the [source material](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes). See LM Studio's RAG guidance.

## Connect an MCP server

LM Studio supports local and remote MCP servers starting with version 0.3.17. Its documentation describes adding servers by editing mcp.json or using an Add to LM Studio button when available. [See LM Studio MCP setup](https://lmstudio.ai/docs/app/mcp).

A remote server entry can include a URL and authorization headers. MCP servers may run code, access local files, or use the network, so use sources you trust. Some servers may also consume enough tokens to overflow a local model's context. Review LM Studio's MCP guidance.

## Add KnowMan as a hosted MCP server

Add `https://api.knowman.io/mcp` as a remote MCP server. KnowMan's hosted server supports OAuth approval or an API key sent as an Authorization Bearer header. [See the KnowMan MCP documentation](https://github.com/Essatt/knowman-mcp).

For a client configuration that accepts remote server URLs and headers, the documented shape is:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "knowman": {
      "url": "https://api.knowman.io/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer <key>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

LM Studio documents URL and authorization-header fields for remote MCP entries. KnowMan's OAuth consent separates read access for search, reading, and asking from write access for saving links. LM Studio MCP setup · KnowMan MCP documentation.

## Ask about your saved reading

After connecting KnowMan, ask the assistant to search your saved knowledge or [save a URL](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles). KnowMan's [MCP tools](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server) include searching, asking questions, reading an item, saving a link, viewing [recent items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base), and listing memories. See the KnowMan MCP tools.

The hosted server's documented OAuth flow opens a KnowMan consent page for approval. It also accepts an API key in the Authorization Bearer header. Read the KnowMan MCP setup.

## Where KnowMan fits

Presets keep reusable instructions, and attached files give a chat source material. KnowMan adds a connected library that an assistant can search and ask about through MCP. LM Studio Presets · LM Studio file context · KnowMan MCP.

For more on connecting an assistant to saved knowledge, see [connect any AI to your notes](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes) and [MCP server knowledge bases](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Questions

### Does LM Studio learn from my chats?

No. LM Studio says conversations do not train or otherwise change what the model knows. The model uses content in the chat or configuration such as a system prompt. LM Studio chat documentation.

### Can I give an LM Studio model documents?

Yes. Attach .docx, .pdf, or .txt files to a chat for additional context. Short files that fit in context are added in full, while long files may use RAG to retrieve relevant portions. LM Studio file and RAG guide.

### Can LM Studio use remote MCP servers?

LM Studio documents local and remote MCP support starting with version 0.3.17. Remote server configuration can include a URL and authorization headers. LM Studio MCP documentation.

### What can an assistant do with KnowMan through MCP?

KnowMan provides tools to search saved items, ask questions, retrieve an item, save a URL, view recent items, and list memories. The hosted server supports OAuth approval or an API key as a Bearer header. KnowMan MCP documentation.

## 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)

- [What is a personal knowledge base, and how do you build one?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base)

## More in this topic

- [How to teach Open WebUI your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-open-webui-your-knowledge)
- [Can a ChatGPT dot use an MCP server?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-chatgpt-dots-your-knowledge)
- [How to teach Claude Duet your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-claude-duet-your-knowledge)

## More for LM Studio

- [Add the KnowMan MCP server to LM Studio](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/lm-studio)
- [How to give LM Studio better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/lm-studio-memory)
- [Add a personal knowledge base to LM Studio](https://www.knowman.io/guides/lm-studio-knowledge-base)

## Bring your reading into the conversation

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Source: https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-lm-studio-your-knowledge