# Memories

## What is a Memory?

A Memory is the basic building block of Memside. It is any piece of context
that should remain available for personal reference and, when allowed, for
connected AI tools.

That can include a note, task, event, idea, goal, wishlist, Operating Rule, or a
checkpoint for work that should continue later.

Each Memory is stored in a structured format so it can be searched, filtered,
updated, and reused more reliably than information buried inside long chat
history. This helps Memside support continuity across different AI apps and
coding tools.

## Create a Memory

Creating a Memory is simple:

1. Sign in to Memside.
2. Select **Create Memory** to open the create modal.
3. Choose the Memory type that best matches the information being saved.
4. Add the main content in the text area.
5. Add optional details such as a title, Project, tags, dates, sensitivity,
   attachments, checkpoint details, or Task Details.
6. Select **Create Memory**.

The Memory is saved to the dashboard. It can then be searched, edited, used by
connected AI tools, or used later to continue work.

## Details to add

The most important field is the main text content. This is where the note,
instruction, task details, event description, or other useful context is
stored.

Other useful details include:

- **Title** for quick recognition and cleaner search results.
- **Project** for placing the Memory in one optional Project.
- **Tags** for grouping related Memories.
- **Sensitivity** to control how the Memory can be used.
- **Occurred** date for when something happened.
- **Due Date** when a task or event has a deadline.
- **Attachments** when the Memory needs files, screenshots, or documents.

When creating a **Task**, **Task Details** can add structured progress and
continuation information. When creating an **Operating Rule**, Memside shows
fields for where the rule applies and how important it is.

## Edit a Memory

Open the card's **More actions** menu and select **View / Edit**. The edit form
contains the current Memory details and the same optional Project selector used
when creating a Memory.

Selecting a different Project moves the Memory to that Project. Clearing the
field removes the Project assignment. **Manage Projects** can create or rename
Projects without leaving the form. An unused Project can also be deleted;
linked Memories must be removed from a Project first.

Add a short change note when the reason for an edit may be useful later. Saving
creates a new version and keeps the earlier version in History.

## Memory types

Memory type helps Memside organize information and show the right fields:

- **Note** for general information, meeting notes, links, research, or saved
  context.
- **Task** for action items or ongoing work that may need progress, next steps,
  or checkpoint support.
- **Event** for something tied to a date or time.
- **Shopping List** for items to buy or compare.
- **Wishlist** for things to remember for a later purchase or plan.
- **Prompt** for prompts that should be reused across AI tools.
- **Idea** for early concepts, rough thoughts, or brainstorming.
- **Goal** for a target or outcome to track.
- **Log** for dated entries, progress notes, or records.
- **Operating Rule** for a standing instruction that should apply in relevant
  AI work.

For most uses, **Note** and **Task** cover everyday needs. Use an **Operating
Rule** for a lasting instruction rather than a one-time note.

## Task Details

**Task Details** are optional fields for Task Memories. They are useful when a
task needs clearer progress and continuation information instead of looking
like a plain note.

Task Details can be enabled while creating or editing a Task. They include:

- required **Goal** and **Status** fields;
- optional **Progress**, **Priority**, **Assigned To**, and up to three ordered
  **Next Steps**;
- optional **Subtasks** for separate pieces of work;
- an advanced section for parent tasks, dependencies, Operating Rules,
  blockers, completion criteria, outputs, results, notes, decisions, questions,
  and references.

Use Task Details when a task needs a clearer working state for later use. Leave
them off when the task is simple and the main text is enough.

## Operating Rules

An **Operating Rule** is a standing instruction that Memside can share with
connected AI tools when it is relevant.

Use an Operating Rule for guidance that should continue over time, such as
writing preferences, workflow rules, project constraints, or repeatable
instructions.

Operating Rule fields include:

- **Rule Title**
- **Instruction Text**
- **Scope Level**, such as Global, Workspace, or Project
- **Scope Reference** when the rule belongs to a specific workspace or project
- **Priority**
- optional **Applies To Modes**

This helps the right instructions appear in the right work instead of requiring
the same explanation in every fresh AI chat.

## Scope Level and Scope Reference

Scope tells Memside where an Operating Rule should apply:

- **Global** applies everywhere and does not need a Scope Reference.
- **Workspace** applies inside one workspace area.
- **Project** applies inside one project area.

For Workspace or Project, **Scope Reference** identifies the specific place.
Use a stable, recognizable name and use the same name consistently.

Generic examples:

- Workspace: `Personal planning`
- Project: `Home renovation`

A Scope Reference is not a Tag or Subject. It helps Memside choose when an
Operating Rule applies. It does not group Memories or create a visible
Connection.

## Checkpoint Preset and Checkpoint Summary

A checkpoint is not a separate Memory type. It is a **Note** or **Task** marked
with the **Checkpoint Preset** so the saved state can be used when work
continues later.

The checkpoint flow is useful when returning to work without rewriting the same
background. A checkpoint can save what has been completed, what matters now,
and what should happen next.

Only Note and Task Memories can be marked as checkpoints:

- Use a **Note** for a compact project or session summary.
- Use a **Task** when structured Task Details such as progress and next steps
  are also needed.

When **Checkpoint Preset** is enabled, Memside shows a **Checkpoint Summary**
field. Keep this summary short and focused so the next AI session can understand
the current state quickly.

## Sensitivity levels

Every Memory has a **sensitivity** setting. Sensitivity controls how the Memory
can be used and whether connected AI tools can access it.

### Private

**Private** is the default for most Memories. Use it for normal personal or
project context that a connected AI tool may need when asked.

Examples include meeting notes, project decisions, travel plans, or an active
task.

### Secret

**Secret** is the strictest setting. Use it for information that should remain
inside the Memside app and should not be available through normal AI-sharing
flows.

If a connected AI tool needs the Memory later, change its sensitivity to
**Private** or **Public** first.

Passwords, recovery codes, payment details, and access keys should not be saved
in Memside, even as Secret Memories.

### Public

**Public** Memories are still owned by the account holder. They are easier for
connected AI tools to notice through lightweight hints. This helps an AI
recognize open topics, interests, wishes, or ongoing items that may be relevant.
The AI can then open the full Memory when more information is needed.

Public does not make the Memory visible to other users or publish it on the
internet.

For example, a laptop shortlist, a wishlist item, or an open research topic can
be Public. A connected AI may notice it and offer relevant help.

In short:

- Use **Private** for normal saved context that an AI may need when asked.
- Use **Secret** for app-only information that connected AI tools must not
  access.
- Use **Public** for open interests or pending items that an AI may be able to
  help with.

Memside does not currently provide a visible expiry setting for Public
Memories.

## Tags

Tags are keywords added to a Memory to group related information and make it
easier to find.

Generic examples include **travel**, **shopping**, **health**, and **books**.

Tags help with:

- filtering related Memories;
- building cleaner search results;
- keeping related context grouped together;
- helping AI tools find the right saved context later.

Multiple tags can be added to one Memory.

Tags are lightweight labels. A **Subject** groups Memories around a particular
person, company, project, product, place, or topic. A **Connection** links two
specific Memories.

## Attachments

Documents, screenshots, and images can be attached directly to a Memory.

Memside can:

- extract text from supported documents;
- read text inside images with OCR;
- make file content easier to search;
- show previews inside the app.

This allows a Memory to include both a written note and its supporting files.

Current limits:

- **Size:** up to **25 MB** per file.
- **Total quota:** **500 MB** of attachment storage per account.
- **Formats:** common types such as **.pdf**, **.txt**, **.jpg**, **.png**, and
  **.docx**.

## Length guidance

There is no need to over-optimize every Memory, but shorter and clearer entries
work better for search and AI continuity.

- **Title:** keep it short and recognizable.
- **Body:** there is no strict limit for normal use, but focused text is easier
  to search and reuse.
- **Operating Rule Instruction Text:** maximum **4,000 characters**.
- **Checkpoint Summary:** keep it short and focused.
- **Task Details:** require a Goal and Status when enabled.
- **Task resume instructions:** maximum **500 characters**.

For large source material, use attachments or the text importer instead of
placing everything in one Memory.

## Occurred and Updated dates

These dates mean different things:

- **Occurred** is when something happened or is meant to happen.
- **Updated** is when the Memory was last edited in Memside.

For example, meeting notes written today for a meeting held yesterday can show
yesterday as **Occurred** and today as **Updated**.

Keeping both dates makes sorting, filtering, and finding context more accurate.

## Due Date

The **Due Date** is optional. It is useful for tasks or events with a deadline,
milestone, reminder point, or follow-up date.

Examples include:

- a task that must be completed this week;
- a renewal or payment date;
- an event happening in the future.

Leave the field empty when the Memory is not time-bound.

## Tips for useful Memories

A useful Memory is short, specific, and easy to recognize later. Clear titles,
useful tags, focused checkpoint summaries, and Task Details only when they add
real value make Memories easier to search and reuse.

## Next steps

- [Checkpoints and tasks](/product/checkpoints-and-tasks/)
- [Connections, Subjects, and Facts](/product/connected-context/)
- [Search, Context Map, and Insights](/product/find-and-review/)
