# KnowMan MCP server for Warp

Client: Warp

Warp runs local stdio MCP servers, so KnowMan fits: paste a JSON snippet under `mcpServers` in `~/.warp/.mcp.json` ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). The entry uses `command` `npx`, `args` `["-y", "@knowman/mcp"]`, and the server reads its key from `KNOWMAN_API_KEY` in `env` ([KnowMan MCP guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base)). Or run `npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login` once and drop the `env` block.

## Warp MCP config, ~/.warp/.mcp.json

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

## Add the server in Warp

Warp supports MCP servers for its local agents, including local stdio servers launched with a CLI command ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). KnowMan's MCP server is a standalone [stdio server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server), so this is the form to use.

The global config file is `~/.warp/.mcp.json`; a project-scoped file sits at `.warp/.mcp.json` at the project root ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). Warp configures servers with a JSON snippet: each entry sits under `mcpServers` with a unique name, and a CLI server needs `command` and `args` ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)).

The snippet above follows that format: `command` `npx`, `args` `["-y", "@knowman/mcp"]`, and `KNOWMAN_API_KEY` in `env`. Warp lets a CLI server specify `env` and `working_directory` ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). You can click `+ Add` in Warp settings and paste the snippet, since Warp accepts configurations copied from most MCP clients ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). KnowMan needs Node 22 or newer.

## Sign in once with knowman login

You can skip pasting a key into the config. Run `npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login` once. It opens your browser to [sign in](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base), and the saved credential is shared by the CLI and the MCP server, so the `env` block can be dropped.

Prefer a key in the file? Create one at Settings > Connections > [Connect an AI agent](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/augment) in the KnowMan web app. Keys look like `km_...`.

## Start the server in Warp

Warp launches a CLI server's command when starting up and shuts it down on exit ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). Once registered, you can Start or Stop the server from the MCP servers page ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). If you close Warp with the server running, it runs again on the next start. Servers that are stopped stay stopped ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)).

## Project-scoped servers need approval

A server defined in `.warp/.mcp.json` at a project root requires explicit approval and must be toggled on individually ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). These servers are session-scoped: after restarting Warp, toggle them on again if you still trust the repo ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)).

## Verify the six tools

Each running server in Warp shows its available tools and resources ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). Start the knowman server from the MCP servers page, then confirm you see six `kb_` tools: `kb_search`, `kb_ask`, `kb_get_item`, `kb_save`, `kb_recent`, and `kb_memories`. If the list is empty or the server will not start, see the section below.

## What the tools do

`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 a question about [your Knowledge Base](https://www.knowman.io/guides/claude-knowledge-base) with citations. `kb_get_item` returns the readable content of one item.

`kb_save` [saves a URL](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles) to the Inbox or the Knowledge Base with an optional note. `kb_recent` lists recently saved items. `kb_memories` lists saved claims, decisions, and playbooks. For the wider setup story, see [the MCP server knowledge base guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## If the server does not work

For connection problems, click the View Logs button on the server from the MCP servers page ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). Before sharing logs, remove sensitive information: Warp notes they may contain API keys ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)).

Warp advises setting `working_directory` explicitly when a command or args include relative paths ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). The KnowMan snippet uses none, so you do not need it here.

## Questions

### Where does the Warp MCP config file live?

Global servers go in `~/.warp/.mcp.json`. A project-scoped server goes in `.warp/.mcp.json` at the project root. See [Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/).

### Can I use knowman login instead of an API key?

Yes. Run `npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login` once, which opens your browser to sign in, and the saved credential is shared by the CLI and the MCP server, so the `env` block can be dropped from the config.

### Why does the server not start in Warp?

Open the MCP servers page and press Start. Warp launches CLI server commands at startup, and a server that was running when you closed Warp runs again on the next start ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)). For errors, click View Logs on the server ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)).

### Is it safe to share Warp MCP server logs?

Only after editing them. Warp states that logs may contain API keys, so remove sensitive information before sharing ([Warp docs](https://docs.warp.dev/agents/capabilities/mcp/)).

## Related pages

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

- [Give Claude Code a knowledge base built from your reading](https://www.knowman.io/guides/claude-code-knowledge-base)

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

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

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

## More in this topic

- [Add the KnowMan MCP server to Grok Build](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/grok)
- [Connect Claude to your knowledge base](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/connect-claude-ai-to-your-knowledge-base)
- [Can Grok Bot use your own knowledge base?](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/grok-bot-knowledge-base)

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