# Memory — Template

> **How to use this file:** Save this as `MEMORY.md` in your working folder. It acts as a running log that your AI reads at the start of each session to pick up where you left off. You can ask your AI to update it automatically at the end of each session, or update it yourself. The structure below is a guide — adapt it to how you actually work. Delete this section once you have amended it - the AI tool does not need to read this part. <

---

## What This File Is For

This is a universal memory log. It captures decisions, preferences, and context that matter across all your projects and sessions with an AI tool.

Read this file at the start of every session. Add to it when something significant happens that future sessions should know about.

---

## What Belongs Here

- **Decisions** — Choices about how you work, tools you use, approaches you have committed to. Example: *"Decided to use Zotero for all reference management — do not suggest alternatives."*
- **Preferences** — Things you have found work well or badly in your AI sessions. Example: *"Prefer outputs in prose, not bullet points, unless I ask."*
- **System changes** — Updates to your folder structure, tools, or workflow setup. Example: *"Moved working folder to a new location on [date]."*
- **Important context** — Facts or background that would be slow to re-explain. Example: *"The WHO briefing project uses the IHR framework only — do not introduce SDG framing without asking."*

---

## What Does Not Belong Here

- Project-specific progress or decisions — those go in a project-specific memory file.
- Anything already captured in your ABOUT ME.md or WRITING RULES.md files.
- Minor session details that will not matter next week.

---

## Format

Each entry follows this pattern:

```
### YYYY-MM-DD — Short title
Category: Decision | Preference | System change | Context
[1–3 sentences describing what happened and why it matters for future sessions.]
```

---

## Pruning Rule

When this file exceeds 100 entries, summarise everything older than 3 months into a single "Archive summary" section at the top (under 500 words). Remove the individual entries that were summarised.

---

## Log

*Add your entries below. Start with the date you set this up.*

### YYYY-MM-DD — Getting started
Category: System change
[Describe your setup — what AI tool you are using, what folder your files are in, what project you are starting with.]