# Connect KnowMan to Cline

Client: Cline

Add KnowMan to Cline as a [local STDIO MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server) with the configuration below. [Cline supports local STDIO servers configured with a command and arguments](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview), and [KnowMan starts with `npx -y @knowman/mcp` and requires Node 22 or newer](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Cline MCP settings JSON

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "knowman": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@knowman/mcp"],
      "env": {
        "KNOWMAN_API_KEY": "km_..."
      },
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}
```

## Add the KnowMan server

For Cline's IDE extension, open the Cline panel, select the MCP Servers icon, open Configure, then select Configure MCP Servers. Add the entry under `mcpServers` in the settings JSON, following [Cline's configuration instructions](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview).

For the Cline CLI, run `cline mcp` to open its MCP wizard. The CLI stores MCP configuration at `~/.cline/data/settings/cline_mcp_settings.json`; `CLINE_MCP_SETTINGS_PATH` can override that location. See [Cline's MCP overview](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview).

## Sign in to KnowMan

Create a key in KnowMan at Settings > Connections > Connect an AI agent, or run `npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login` and authorize in the browser. The CLI and MCP server share the saved credential, so after signing in once you can remove the `env` block from the config. [Read about connecting an AI agent to KnowMan](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Check the connection

Confirm the server starts and its tools appear in Cline, then test one tool call. Cline documents checking that tools are listed and trying a call in its [MCP overview](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview).

## If the server does not respond

Check the configured command and server process. Cline lets you restart unresponsive servers from MCP settings. For connection checks, see [Cline's MCP overview](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview).

KnowMan's MCP server uses a Bearer key in the `KNOWMAN_API_KEY` environment variable when configured with an environment block. [See the KnowMan MCP server setup](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## KnowMan tools in Cline

KnowMan provides `kb_search` to search [saved items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles), `kb_ask` to answer with citations, and `kb_get_item` to read one item's content. [Learn about KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

`kb_save` saves a URL with an optional note, `kb_recent` returns [recent items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base), and `kb_memories` provides saved claims, decisions, and playbooks. [Learn about connecting AI agents to KnowMan](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents).

## Local server and key handling

KnowMan's MCP server is a local stdio process that talks to KnowMan's HTTP API with a Bearer key. [Read the KnowMan MCP server setup](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

Cline recommends storing secrets in environment variables, limiting autoApprove to safe tools, and reviewing tool calls before approval. See [Cline's MCP overview](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview).

## Questions

### Where do I add the config in Cline?

In the IDE extension, use the MCP Servers icon, Configure tab, and Configure MCP Servers button, then edit the JSON under `mcpServers`. The Cline CLI uses `~/.cline/data/settings/cline_mcp_settings.json` by default. See [Cline's MCP overview](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview).

### Can I sign in without putting an API key in Cline's config?

Yes. Run `npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login` and authorize in your browser. The CLI and MCP server share the saved credential, so you can omit the `env` block. [See the KnowMan MCP server setup](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

### Which tools will KnowMan add to Cline?

KnowMan provides `kb_search`, `kb_ask`, `kb_get_item`, `kb_save`, `kb_recent`, and `kb_memories`. These search saved items, answer with citations, read an item, save a URL, return recent items, and provide saved memories. [Learn about KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

### Does KnowMan connect to Cline through a remote server?

No. KnowMan's MCP server is a local stdio process that communicates with KnowMan's HTTP API. [Cline supports local STDIO servers](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview), and [KnowMan's MCP server setup is described here](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Related pages

- [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 Knowledge Base for AI Agents?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents)

## More in this topic

- [Add the KnowMan MCP server to Cursor](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/cursor)
- [Add the KnowMan MCP server to VS Code](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/vscode)
- [KnowMan MCP server for Continue](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/continue)

## More for Cline

- [How to give Cline better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/cline-memory)
- [How to teach Cline your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-cline-your-knowledge)

## Give Cline context from your library

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/integrations/cline