Prepare the Continue MCP config
Continue supports local MCP servers that communicate over standard input and output. Select this transport with type: stdio, then use command for the startup command and args for its arguments. See Continue's MCP documentation.
Add the KnowMan server block
Continue reads MCP server definitions from blocks under the mcpServers key. KnowMan provides a local stdio server as the @knowman/mcp package, started with npx -y @knowman/mcp. The package requires Node 22 or newer.
Place the config in your workspace
Create a .continue/mcpServers folder at the top level of your workspace and save the config as a JSON file. Continue automatically picks up JSON MCP config files in that directory, with the plural "Servers" in the folder name. See Continue's MCP documentation.
Connect KnowMan
The KnowMan MCP server uses a Bearer key from the KNOWMAN_API_KEY environment variable. Keys begin with km_ and can be created in the web app under Settings > Connections > Connect an AI agent. You can also run npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login once. Browser sign-in saves a credential shared by the CLI and MCP server, so the environment variable can be omitted after sign-in.
Verify the install
Test the server with a prompt in Continue agent mode, such as opening a browser and saving Hacker News headlines. MCP can only be used in Continue's agent mode. Continue's documentation shows this prompt as a functional test for an MCP server. See Continue's MCP documentation.
Search and ask tools
kb_search searches saved items by keyword or meaning and returns titles, URLs, and metadata. kb_ask answers questions with citations. kb_get_item reads the readable content of one saved item.
Save, recent, and memory tools
kb_save saves a URL to your Inbox or Knowledge Base, with an optional note. kb_recent returns recent items. kb_memories returns saved claims, decisions, and playbooks. The KnowMan MCP server provides these six tools through the local stdio package @knowman/mcp.
Questions people ask
Where do I put the KnowMan MCP config in Continue?
Save the JSON file in the .continue/mcpServers/ directory at the top level of your workspace. Continue automatically picks up JSON MCP config files placed in that directory. See Continue's MCP documentation.
Can I use Continue MCP outside agent mode?
No. MCP can only be used in Continue's agent mode. See Continue's MCP documentation.
Do I need KNOWMAN_API_KEY in the Continue config?
The KnowMan MCP server reads a Bearer key from KNOWMAN_API_KEY. After running npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login once, the saved credential is shared by the CLI and MCP server, so the environment variable can be omitted.
How do I check that Continue can reach KnowMan?
Send a test prompt in Continue agent mode, such as opening a browser and saving Hacker News headlines. The Continue MCP documentation shows this functional test.