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.

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.

Understanding Memex Modes

Memex has two powerful modes designed to support different phases of your development journey.

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 directly on your machine

• 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

Because Memex lives and works from your computer, it can access and interact with your files. There are two ways Memex can work with your them:

• 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.

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

There are two main ways you can point Memex to your files

• 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 files named file.txt saved in the project directory". You can open your project directory/folder b

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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 two methods described in the section above.

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Projects

Each Memex Project corresponds to a directory on your computer and 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

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 to start one based on an existing workspace in your computer

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Custom Instructions

Custom Instructions let you set consistent guidelines that Memex follows across all your conversations. 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.