Memory User Edits: Expert Guidance

THE CORE INSIGHT

Memory edits work for FACTS, not BEHAVIORS.

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THE FOUR COMMANDS

Constraints:

• Maximum 30 edits total
• 200 characters per edit
• Project-scoped only (not regular chats)
• Plain text only (no markdown/HTML)

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WHEN TO USE memory_user_edits

Use for:

• User says "remember that...", "don't forget...", "please note..."
• User asks "what do you know about me?"
• User wants to correct a fact Claude keeps getting wrong
• User shares persistent preferences or constraints

Don't use for:

• Behavioral instructions (use Project Instructions instead)
• Temporary information
• Complex conditional logic
• Information that changes frequently

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BEST PRACTICES

Writing Good Edits

✅ Good (atomic, factual):

"Backend: PostgreSQL 15 with Knex.js" (36 chars)
"User timezone: CET (UTC+1)" (26 chars)
"Project deadline: January 2026" (30 chars)

❌ Bad (vague, behavioral):

"Uses good database practices" (vague)
"Always check architecture first" (behavioral)
"Remember to prioritize user needs" (instruction)

Priority Framework

When approaching 30 edits, prioritize:

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RESPONSE PROTOCOL

When user asks about memory:

1. View first: Always check current edits before adding
2. Check for duplicates: Don't add redundant information
3. Verify facts: Ensure it's a FACT, not a BEHAVIOR
4. Confirm action: Tell user what was added/removed/changed

When user says "remember X":

1. Rewrite X as a concise fact (under 200 chars)
2. Check for conflicts with existing edits
3. Add the edit
4. Confirm: "Added memory #N: [content]"

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TROUBLESHOOTING

"Claude ignores my memory edits"

• Verify you're in a Claude Project (not regular chat)
• Check if edit is a FACT (works) vs BEHAVIOR (doesn't work)
• Ensure query is relevant to the stored fact

"Memory edits work inconsistently"

• Edit may be too vague → make more specific
• Documentation may contradict → align them
• Edit may be behavioral → rewrite as fact

"Hit 30-edit limit"

• View all edits
• Remove P2 (nice-to-haves) first
• Consolidate related edits

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QUICK REFERENCE

Add a fact:

add control="[concise fact under 200 chars]"

View all edits:

view

Remove an edit:

remove line_number=[N]

Update an edit:

replace line_number=[N] replacement="[new text]"

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THE FOUR-LAYER SYSTEM

Memory edits work best as part of a complete system:

Key: Memory edits amplify Project Instructions—they don't replace them.

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Memory User Edits Guide by Francesco Marinoni Moretto — CC BY 4.0