Memstate + Cursor
Give Cursor structured memory that persists across sessions and projects.
Cursor's AI forgets everything between sessions. Memstate gives Cursor a persistent memory layer via MCP — your tech stack, architecture decisions, and project context are always available, never re-explained.
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Add MCP Configuration
Add the following to your Cursor MCP configuration file. Replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your key.
{
"mcpServers": {
"memstate": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@memstate/mcp"],
"env": {
"MEMSTATE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
}
}
}
}📁 Where to put this config:
.cursor/mcp.json (in your project root)~/.cursor/mcp.jsonChoose Project or Global Scope
Cursor supports MCP at two scopes. Choose the one that fits your workflow:
Project-scoped (recommended)
.cursor/mcp.jsonMemory is scoped to this project. Commit this file to share Memstate setup with your team.
Global
~/.cursor/mcp.jsonAvailable across all your Cursor projects.
Cursor Settings UI
You can also add MCP servers via Cursor Settings → MCP → Add Server, then paste the config JSON.
Add Agent Instructions
Paste this into your project's AGENTS.md, CLAUDE.md, or GEMINI.md. This tells your agent how to use Memstate automatically.
# Memstate MCP - Memory Storage
This project uses Memstate MCP for versioned memory. Keypaths are hierarchical (e.g. `project.myapp.database`).
## Which tool when
- **memstate_remember** — PREFERRED for markdown, task summaries, meeting notes. Server extracts keypaths automatically.
- **memstate_set** — Only for single keypath = single short value (e.g. config.port).
- **memstate_get** — Browse project, fetch existing knowledge before tasks.
- **memstate_search** — Find by meaning when you don't know the keypath.
- **memstate_history** — View version history of a keypath.
## Before each task
Check what already exists: `memstate_get(project_id="myproject")`
## After each task
Save a summary: `memstate_remember(project_id="myproject", content="## Summary\n- What was done\n- Key decisions", source="agent")`Why this matters
Without instructions, your agent won't know to use Memstate proactively. This snippet tells it to check existing memories before tasks and save summaries after — keeping your project context current across every session.
Verify the Connection
Restart Cursor, then ask your agent:
Use memstate_get() to list all my projects and confirm Memstate is connected.You're all set!
Cursor now has access to structured, versioned memory. It will automatically look up existing knowledge before tasks and save summaries after completion — keeping your project context current and organized across every session.
Alternative: Install as an Agent Skill
Prefer a portable, project-committed approach? Install the Memstate skill directly into your repo. Skills are loaded automatically by compatible agents (Claude Code, Cline, Cursor) without needing manual AGENTS.md edits.
npx @memstate/skills setupSee the Skills documentation for full details on supported agents and manual installation options.