Add KnowMan to Kiro
KnowMan’s MCP server is a standalone stdio server distributed as @knowman/mcp; it starts with npx -y @knowman/mcp and requires Node 22 or newer.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
Kiro uses a JSON configuration file for MCP servers. In the IDE, open workspace or user MCP configuration from the command palette or the Kiro panel.Kiro MCP configuration
Configure the server
Add the knowman entry shown above under the top-level mcpServers object. Kiro’s local stdio format uses command, args, and disabled.Kiro MCP configuration
Create a KnowMan API key under Settings > Connections > Connect an AI agent, or sign in once with the KnowMan CLI.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
Sign in once with knowman login
Run npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login and complete browser sign-in. The CLI and MCP server share the saved credential, so an environment key can be omitted.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
Save and verify the connection
Save the configuration with Cmd+S. Kiro says MCP servers reconnect automatically after saving.Kiro MCP configuration
In the IDE, open the Kiro panel’s MCP servers tab and confirm KnowMan is connected.Kiro MCP configuration
Tools available in Kiro
KnowMan’s kb_search searches saved items by keyword or meaning, kb_ask answers questions with citations, and kb_get_item retrieves readable content for one item.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
kb_save saves a URL, kb_recent lists recent items, and kb_memories lists saved claims, decisions, and playbooks.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
Troubleshoot a connection
For connection failures, Kiro recommends checking that prerequisites are installed correctly.Kiro MCP troubleshooting
For IDE MCP logs, open the Kiro panel, select Output, then choose Kiro - MCP Logs.Kiro MCP logs
KnowMan MCP is local
KnowMan’s MCP server runs locally with npx -y @knowman/mcp or as a hosted server at https://api.knowman.io/mcp. Choose the local stdio server for local clients, or add the hosted server URL to clients that accept remote MCP servers.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
KnowMan is built for one person’s library today. Explore personal knowledge bases and MCP knowledge bases.
Use the hosted KnowMan server
To use the hosted server in clients that support remote MCP servers, add https://api.knowman.io/mcp, then sign in with OAuth on the KnowMan consent page or send an API key as an Authorization: Bearer <key> header.
For Kiro, add the server URL and complete OAuth approval, or configure the API key as the bearer header. Then ask the assistant to search your KnowMan or save a URL.
Questions people ask
Does KnowMan work with Kiro?
Kiro supports local stdio MCP servers in its IDE, CLI, and Web clients.Kiro MCP support KnowMan’s MCP server is a local stdio server.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
Do I need to keep the API key in Kiro’s config?
No. Run npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login once; the saved credential is shared by the CLI and MCP server, so you can omit the environment key.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]
How can I check that Kiro connected?
In the IDE, check the MCP servers tab in the Kiro panel. Kiro’s documentation says servers reconnect automatically after the config is saved.Kiro MCP configuration
Can I connect KnowMan to Kiro Mobile?
Kiro’s support table does not list local stdio MCP servers for Mobile.Kiro MCP support KnowMan’s MCP server is local stdio.[/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base]