The Basics

Learn the fundamentals of using Memex to build software through conversation.

What Makes Memex Special

Memex is designed as your complete AI development partner. Unlike other tools that require programming knowledge or limit you to templates or tech stacks, Memex handles the entire technical implementation process while you focus on what you want to build and why.

Whether you're working in the browser with Memex Web or locally with Memex Desktop, you get the same conversational development experience.

Think of Memex as having an experienced developer sitting next to you, ready to handle all the technical complexity while you describe your vision in plain language.

Choosing Your Environment

Memex comes in two versions:

Memex Web runs in your browser on a cloud virtual machine:

• Best for: Getting started quickly, building data apps (Streamlit + Python)

• Works from: Any device with a browser (including mobile)

• Preview: Built-in preview pane for instant feedback

• Sharing: One-click publish to share your work

• Files: Upload data files (CSVs, Excel, etc.) or connect to external data sources using Connectors

Memex Desktop runs locally on your computer:

• Best for: Full-stack projects, any tech stack, complex development

• Works from: Your local machine (macOS, Windows, Linux)

• Preview: Uses localhost and your browser

• Sharing: Deploy using your preferred tools

• Files: Direct access to your local file system

New to Memex? We recommend starting with Memex Web—it's the fastest way to get building. You can always sync your project to Desktop later if you need broader stack support.

Understanding Memex Modes

Memex has two powerful modes designed to support different phases of your development journey. These modes work the same way in both Memex Web and Desktop.

Plan Mode vs Build Mode

Plan Mode is your strategic partner:

• Acts like an experienced technical product manager

• Asks thoughtful questions about your requirements

• Helps scope down to a valuable MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

• Considers factors you might not think of initially

• Creates structured development plans optimized for Build mode

Build Mode is your hands-on development partner:

• Writes and executes code

• Installs packages and sets up development environments

• Creates, edits, and manages project files

• Runs applications and debugs issues

• Handles complex technical implementation

When to use each mode:

• Start with Plan Mode when you have a general idea but need help defining requirements and creating a development strategy

• Switch to Build Mode when you're ready to implement features from your plan or work on existing projects

• Return to Plan Mode when you need to think through new features or architectural decisions

You can switch between modes at any time during a conversation using the toggle at the top of the interface.

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Working with Files

Giving Memex Access to Your Files

Memex can access and work with your files, though how this works depends on your environment:

In Memex Desktop: Memex has direct access to your local file system and can work with any file type.

In Memex Web: You can upload files to your project's cloud VM (particularly data files like CSVs and Excel spreadsheets), or connect to external data sources using Connectors. Connectors let you securely link databases, data warehouses, APIs, and services like Google Sheets, BigQuery, Supabase, and more—so Memex can query and work with your data without manual uploads.

There are two conceptual ways Memex works with files:

• Context files: These are files you'd like Memex to include in its context. This can include for example a PDF you'd like Memex to read, or an image you'd like Memex to see to help you debug something.

• Content files: These are files you'd like Memex to include or reference within the tools you build. For example, if you are building a website and would like Memex to include some images you have saved in a folder, or a CSV file that your app should load and analyze.

Whenever working with files, make sure to specify to Memex what you'd like it to do with them.

How to provide files to Memex:

In Memex Desktop:

• Drag and drop files directly into the chat. This will add the file's path to your message.

• Move files into your project directory for ongoing access. This way you can just say "use the file named data.csv saved in the project directory".

In Memex Web:

• Use the File Upload feature to add files to your project's cloud VM.

• Use Connectors to link external data sources so Memex can query them directly.

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For images you'd like Memex to use as Context you are also able to use the image picker, by clicking on the image icon, or by just pasting the image in. Note: using this method will limit the image usage to Context only. If you'd like Memex to use the images within the tools you build and not only as context, use one of the methods described above.

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Projects

Each Memex Project includes:

• Conversations: Multiple conversations can belong to the same project

• Files and Code: All your project assets in one organized location

• Project Context: Custom guidelines for AI behavior (stored in .memex/context.md)

• Documentation: README files and project documentation

In Memex Desktop: A project corresponds to a specific directory in your Workspace folder on your computer.

In Memex Web: Projects live in a cloud VM. You can download project files or sync the entire project to Memex Desktop at any time to continue working locally.

You can create a new project by selecting "New Project" below the conversation input. From there, you can choose to start a project from scratch, or (in Desktop) to start one based on an existing folder on your computer

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Custom Instructions

Custom Instructions let you set consistent guidelines that Memex follows across all your conversations in both Web and Desktop. Think of them as extensions to Memex's system instructions.

Useful Custom Instructions examples:

Every visualization should have a transparent background and white labels for presentations.

When transcribing audio files, default to MLX Whisper or Tiny Whisper rather than Base Whisper for better performance.

Always commit working code after each major milestone and explain what was accomplished.

When building web applications, prioritize clean, accessible design and responsive layouts.

To set Custom Instructions:

1. Click the wrench (🔧) icon in the interface

2. Navigate to Custom Instructions

3. Add your guidelines and preferences

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Understanding Technical Outputs

Memex organizes technical operations (code execution, web searches, file operations) in collapsible sections to keep conversations clean and focused.

[Insert technical outputs walkthrough here]

What you'll see:

• Code execution results and outputs

• Web search queries and results

• File operations like creation and editing

• System commands and their responses

You can expand any of these sections to see the details or copy content for your own use.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics:

1. Try Plan Mode with an idea you'd like to explore

2. Create a simple project in Build Mode to get hands-on experience

3. Experiment with file uploads and data analysis

4. Set up Custom Instructions that match your preferences

5. Read our Best Practices Guide for advanced techniques

Remember: the best way to learn Memex is by using it. Start with something simple that interests you, and don't be afraid to experiment and ask questions along the way.