Configure MemoryGraph with the Claude Desktop application. Choose between MemoryGraph Cloud (managed service, no setup) or MemoryGraph Local (self-hosted, full control).

Prerequisites

• Claude Desktop app installed

Option 1: MemoryGraph Cloud (Recommended)

The easiest way to get started. No installation required - just configure your API key.

Step 1: Get Your API Key

Sign up at memorygraph.dev/signup and copy your API key from the dashboard.

Step 2: Open Claude Desktop Config

Open your Claude Desktop configuration file:

Step 3: Add MCP Configuration

Add the following JSON configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "memorygraph": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@memorygraph/mcp-client"],
      "env": {
        "MEMORYGRAPH_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 4: Restart Claude Desktop

Quit and reopen Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect.

Option 2: MemoryGraph Local (Self-Hosted)

Run MemoryGraph entirely on your machine. Your data stays local.

Additional Prerequisites

• Python 3.10 or higher
• pipx installed (pip install pipx)

Step 1: Install MemoryGraph

pipx install memorygraphMCP

Step 2: Find the memorygraph Path

# Get the full path to memorygraph
which memorygraph

# Example output:
# /Users/yourname/.local/bin/memorygraph

Step 3: Open Claude Desktop Config

Open your Claude Desktop configuration file (see paths in table above).

Step 4: Add MCP Configuration

Add the following JSON configuration (replace path with your actual path):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "memorygraph": {
      "command": "/Users/yourname/.local/bin/memorygraph",
      "args": []
    }
  }
}

Step 5: Restart Claude Desktop

Quit and reopen Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect.

Verify Connection

In Claude Desktop, you should see a tools icon indicating MCP servers are connected. Ask Claude to list available tools - you should see memorygraph tools like store_memory, recall_memories, and search_memories.

Important: Add Memory Directives

MemoryGraph won't automatically store memories. You need to tell Claude when and what to remember by adding instructions to your conversation or project settings.

Add to Your Project Instructions

In Claude Desktop, go to your project settings and add memory directives. Here's a minimal example:

## Memory Protocol

### Before Starting Work
Use `recall_memories` to check for relevant past context.

### When to Store Memories
Store memories when:
- Fixing a bug → save the problem + solution
- Making architecture decisions → save the rationale
- Discovering reusable patterns → save with examples

Always include tags, importance (0-1), and relationships.

→ Full Memory Protocol Guide with complete directives and examples.

Advanced Configuration (Local Only)

With Environment Variables

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "memorygraph": {
      "command": "/Users/yourname/.local/bin/memorygraph",
      "args": [],
      "env": {
        "MEMORYGRAPH_DATA_DIR": "/path/to/custom/data",
        "MEMORYGRAPH_LOG_LEVEL": "DEBUG"
      }
    }
  }
}

Troubleshooting

MCP Server Not Appearing

• Verify the command path is correct and absolute (for local setup)
• Check that memorygraph runs manually: /path/to/memorygraph --health
• Verify your API key is correct (for cloud setup)
• Restart Claude Desktop completely (quit from menu bar)

See the full Troubleshooting Guide for more solutions.