# Quickstart

This guide shows how to save one useful Memory, find it in Memside, and use it
from a connected AI tool.

## Before starting

The setup needs:

- a verified Memside account;
- one piece of information worth keeping;
- a supported AI tool for the optional connection test.

Open [Memside](https://www.memside.com) and sign in.

## 1. Create a Memory

Select **Create Memory** to open the create modal.

Enter a clear title and focused content. For example:

```text
Title: Weekend trip plan

Goal: Plan a three-day city trip.
Completed: The travel dates and hotel are confirmed.
Next step: Choose activities.
```

Choose:

- **Type:** Note
- **Sensitivity:** Private

New Memories start with **Active** status automatically. Status can be changed
later from the edit form.

The optional **Project** field can place the Memory in an existing Project.

Select **Create Memory**.

## 2. Save a checkpoint

A checkpoint records the current state before work pauses or moves to another
AI tool.

Create or edit an eligible Note or Task, then enable **Checkpoint Preset**.
Keep the summary short:

```text
Travel dates and hotel confirmed. Choose activities next.
```

A useful checkpoint normally includes:

- completed work;
- important decisions;
- current blockers;
- the next action;
- relevant links or references.

## 3. Find the Memory in Memside

Search for `Weekend trip plan`.

The result should show the saved Memory with its current status and
sensitivity. Open it and confirm that the title, content, and checkpoint summary
are correct.

## 4. Connect an AI tool

Choose the connection method that matches the AI tool:

- **OAuth** for supported hosted apps such as ChatGPT and Claude.
- **API key** for developer tools and custom applications.

Follow the [Connection overview](/connect/mcp-and-api/) before adding a
connection.

## 5. Test the connection

Send a simple request from the connected AI:

```text
Search Memside for the Weekend trip plan checkpoint.
Summarize the completed work and next step.
```

The response should identify:

- the confirmed travel dates and hotel;
- choosing activities as the next step.

Review any request that creates, changes, or deletes data before approval.

## Continue learning

- [How Memside works](/concepts/how-memside-works/)
- [Memories](/product/memories/)
- [Checkpoints and tasks](/product/checkpoints-and-tasks/)
- [Memside Library](/library/) for reusable AI Templates