---
title: "Connect AI tools"
description: "Choose an AI client or extension and connect it to Basic Memory."
canonical_url: "https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations"
---
# Connect AI tools

> Choose an AI client or extension and connect it to Basic Memory.

Basic Memory is most useful when the AI tools you already use can read and write the same shared knowledge base. Start with the tool you use most, then connect others to the same workspace as needed.

<tip>

For Basic Memory Cloud, install the published **Basic Memory Cloud** plugin from ChatGPT's Plugin directory or the published **Basic Memory Cloud** connector from Claude's Connectors Directory. The web app's Help Center (account menu → **Help**) also has setup guidance, your MCP endpoint for manual connections, and a quick test prompt.

For local/open-source Basic Memory, use the local MCP server from your computer. See [Local MCP tools](https://docs.basicmemory.com/local/mcp-tools-local).

</tip>

---

## Recommended Cloud Connections

These are the best starting points for most Basic Memory Cloud users.

<card-group>
<card icon="i-simple-icons-anthropic" title="Claude" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/claude-desktop">

Install the published connector from Claude's Connectors Directory. One connection works across web, desktop, mobile, Cowork, and Claude Code.

</card>

<card icon="i-simple-icons-anthropic" title="Claude Code" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/claude-code">

Give Claude Code access to shared project knowledge while you work in a repository.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-code" title="Codex" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/codex">

Use Basic Memory from the Codex app and CLI.

</card>

<card icon="i-simple-icons-openai" title="ChatGPT" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/chatgpt">

Install Basic Memory Cloud from ChatGPT's Plugin directory, then start from the listing or enable it in an existing chat.

</card>
</card-group>

---

## Coding And Local Editors

Use these when you work from a code editor, terminal agent, or synced Markdown folder.

<card-group>
<card icon="i-simple-icons-googlegemini" title="Gemini CLI" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/gemini">

Connect Google's command-line AI agent through MCP.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-mouse-pointer-2" title="Cursor" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/cursor">

Use Basic Memory knowledge while coding in Cursor.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-code-2" title="VS Code" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/vscode">

Work with Basic Memory from VS Code and local Markdown files.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-notebook" title="Obsidian" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/obsidian">

Use Obsidian as a local editor for Basic Memory Markdown projects.

</card>
</card-group>

---

## Extensions And Agent Workflows

These integrations add richer workflows on top of the core MCP connection.

<card-group>
<card icon="i-lucide-sparkles" title="Agent Skills" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/skills">

Optional instruction packs that teach agents when and how to use Basic Memory well.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-bot" title="OpenClaw" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/openclaw">

Use the OpenClaw plugin for bundled Basic Memory tools and skills.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-send" title="Hermes" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/hermes">

Use Hermes for Basic Memory-aware agent workflows.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-bot" title="Tau" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/tau">

Startup recall, knowledge capture, and checkpoints before compaction for Tau sessions.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-terminal" title="Pi" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/pi">

Recall and capture commands and tools for the Pi coding agent.

</card>

<card icon="i-lucide-activity" title="Harness Capture" to="https://docs.basicmemory.com/integrations/harness-capture">

How the Claude Code, Codex, and Pi lifecycle hooks recall and capture.

</card>
</card-group>

<tip>

**One command per host (v0.24+).** `bm install codex`, `bm install claude-code`, `bm install tau`, and `bm install pi` install the Basic Memory plugin or package for that host. Each takes `--dry-run` to preview the plan and `--yes` to apply it without a prompt, and none of them touch your Basic Memory database.

</tip>

---

## Choosing Cloud Or Local

- **Use Cloud** when you want the web app, remote MCP, collaboration, and the same knowledge available from multiple tools or devices.
- **Run locally** when you want files and indexing to stay on your machine, or when your AI client expects a local stdio MCP server.
- **Use both** when you want Cloud for shared projects and local files for editor-first workflows.

Not sure? Start with [Quickstart: Cloud](https://docs.basicmemory.com/start-here/quickstart-cloud).


## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](https://docs.basicmemory.com/sitemap.md) for all pages.