# How to teach Windsurf your knowledge Teach Windsurf with memories, rules, and project files that Cascade can use while working in a workspace. For a searchable [article library](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles), connect the local KnowMan [MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) so Windsurf can use kb_search, kb_get_item, kb_ask, and kb_save through MCP. ## Start with Windsurf memories Windsurf has two mechanisms for preserving context: [Memories and user-defined rules](https://www.knowman.io/guides/windsurf-memory). Cascade can create memories when it finds context it considers useful, or you can prompt it to "create a memory of …". [Windsurf documentation](https://web.archive.org/web/20260115004211/https://docs.windsurf.com/windsurf/cascade/memories) ## Choose where each rule applies Define rules at global or workspace level. [Global rules](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents) apply across workspaces, while workspace rules can live in `.windsurf/rules` and apply through a glob or natural-language description. Windsurf discovers rules in the current workspace and its subdirectories, and searches parent directories up to the Git root for Git repositories. [Windsurf documentation](https://web.archive.org/web/20260115004211/https://docs.windsurf.com/windsurf/cascade/memories) ## Write clear rules Keep each rule simple, concise, and specific. Use bullets, numbered lists, or Markdown instead of a long paragraph. Rules can be activated manually, always, by model decision, or by matching a glob. Each rule file has a 12,000-character limit. [Windsurf documentation](https://web.archive.org/web/20260115004211/https://docs.windsurf.com/windsurf/cascade/memories) ## Manage memories and rules Open Cascade's Customizations menu or Windsurf Settings to manage memories and rules. To change a memory, open it and select Edit. You can also ask Cascade to remember something during a conversation. [Windsurf documentation](https://web.archive.org/web/20260115004211/https://docs.windsurf.com/windsurf/cascade/memories) ## Connect KnowMan to Windsurf KnowMan's MCP server is a local [stdio server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server). Start it with `npx -y @knowman/mcp` using Node 22 or newer, and authenticate with `npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login` once. The saved credential is shared by the CLI and MCP server, so the environment block can then be dropped. See the [Windsurf integration guide](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/windsurf) and the [MCP knowledge base guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base). ## Search, read, ask, and save Once connected, Windsurf can use `kb_search` to find saved items, `kb_get_item` to read one item, `kb_ask` to answer with citations, and `kb_save` to save a URL to your Inbox or Knowledge Base with an optional note. See the [KnowMan MCP knowledge base guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base). ## Where KnowMan fits Windsurf memories and rules are useful for instructions and working context. KnowMan adds a [personal library of saved articles](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base) and links that Windsurf can search and read through the local MCP server. It can also save new URLs through `kb_save`. See [giving your AI context](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context) and [connecting AI to your notes](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes). ## Questions ### What is the easiest way to teach Windsurf personal context? Ask Cascade to "create a memory of …" with the information you want it to retain. Cascade can also create memories automatically when it encounters context it considers useful. [Windsurf documentation](https://web.archive.org/web/20260115004211/https://docs.windsurf.com/windsurf/cascade/memories) ### Should I use Windsurf memories or rules? Use memories for facts and context that Windsurf should preserve. Use rules for instructions that shape how Cascade should work, such as coding standards or project guidance. [Windsurf documentation](https://web.archive.org/web/20260115004211/https://docs.windsurf.com/windsurf/cascade/memories) ### Can Windsurf search my saved articles? With the local KnowMan MCP server connected, Windsurf can use `kb_search` and `kb_get_item` to find and read [saved articles](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-article-saver). `kb_ask` can answer from the library with citations, while `kb_save` can save new URLs. See the [Windsurf integration guide](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/windsurf). ### Can Windsurf use an external article library? The available documentation does not explain how Windsurf imports or indexes external articles. KnowMan provides a documented local MCP route for searching and reading your saved library, subject to the Windsurf setup shown in the [integration guide](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/windsurf). ## Related guides - [KnowMan MCP server for Windsurf](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/windsurf) - [How to Give Your AI Context from What You Read](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context) - [How Do You Connect AI to Your Notes?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes) - [Connect your knowledge base through KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) ## More in this topic - [How to teach Grok Bot your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-grok-bot-your-knowledge) - [How to teach Google Antigravity your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-antigravity-your-knowledge) - [How to teach Microsoft Copilot Studio your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-copilot-studio-your-knowledge) ## More for Windsurf - [How to give Windsurf better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/windsurf-memory) ## Give Windsurf a library to work with Try KnowMan Pro for 14 days with no credit card. [Create your account](https://app.knowman.io/signup) [Start free](https://app.knowman.io/signup) Every new account starts with 14 days of Pro. No credit card. Source: https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-windsurf-your-knowledge