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This guide gets you from a terminal to a working local ModusBrain setup. You will install the CLI, create a brain, compile a draft operational skill, approve it, and inspect the audit record.
Use this path for a local setup. You can later connect the same brain to an MCP-compatible agent such as Claude Code or Codex.

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Before you begin

  • A terminal on macOS, Linux, or Windows.
  • Bun 1.3.10+ or Node.js 18+.
  • A folder of notes, docs, or project files you want to use as source material.

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1. Install the CLI

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2. Create a local brain

The default setup uses PGLite: an embedded database that runs locally and needs no server.
modusbrain doctor checks your installation and tells you exactly how to fix common configuration problems.

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3. Add your first source

Import a folder of Markdown files or point ModusBrain at a project you want to search.

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4. Create an operational skill

An operational skill turns approved guidance in your brain into a reusable workflow.

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5. Approve and run it

New skills start as drafts. Review the draft, approve it, then run it with the task context.

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6. Review what happened

The audit record shows the skill version, inputs, confidence result, and outcome.

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Next steps

Connect a coding agent

Give Codex or another MCP client access to the brain you just created.

Learn the full workflow

Understand draft, approval, execution, correction, and audit stages.

Set up a team brain

Move from a local setup to shared company knowledge.

Browse every command

Find the CLI commands available in this distribution.