# KnowMan MCP server for Continue

Client: Continue

Add KnowMan to Continue as a [local stdio MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) in a JSON block under `mcpServers`, then save it in your workspace's `.continue/mcpServers/` directory. Continue supports local stdio servers and automatically picks up JSON MCP config files placed there. MCP can only be used in Continue's agent mode.

## Continue MCP config

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "knowman": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@knowman/mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

## 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](https://docs.continue.dev/customize/deep-dives/mcp).

## Add the KnowMan server block

Continue reads MCP server definitions from blocks under the `mcpServers` key. KnowMan provides a local [stdio server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-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](https://docs.continue.dev/customize/deep-dives/mcp).

## 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](https://docs.continue.dev/customize/deep-dives/mcp).

## Search and ask tools

`kb_search` searches [saved items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles) by [keyword or meaning](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base) and returns titles, URLs, and metadata. `kb_ask` [answers questions with citations](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents). `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](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base). `kb_memories` returns [saved claims, decisions, and playbooks](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-agent-memory). The KnowMan MCP server provides these six tools through the local stdio package `@knowman/mcp`.

## Questions

### 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](https://docs.continue.dev/customize/deep-dives/mcp).

### Can I use Continue MCP outside agent mode?

No. MCP can only be used in Continue's agent mode. See [Continue's MCP documentation](https://docs.continue.dev/customize/deep-dives/mcp).

### 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](https://docs.continue.dev/customize/deep-dives/mcp) shows this functional test.

## Related pages

- [Connect your knowledge base through KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base)

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

- [How Do You Connect AI to Your Notes?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes)

- [How to Give Your AI Context from What You Read](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context)

- [Persistent Memory for AI Agents](https://www.knowman.io/guides/persistent-memory-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 Zed](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/zed)

## More for Continue

- [How to give Continue better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/continue-memory)

## Give Continue your saved knowledge

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Source: https://www.knowman.io/integrations/continue