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OpenClaw Memory: How to Give Claude Persistent Memory Across Sessions

· 4 min read
Felo AI
Operations

OpenClaw memory (MemClaw) gives Claude Code persistent project memory across sessions. Install via the Claude Code plugin marketplace — no JSON config required.

Every developer who uses Claude Code hits the same wall eventually.

OpenClaw memory flow diagram

You open a new session. Claude has no idea who you are, what you're building, or what you decided last week. You spend the first fifteen minutes re-explaining everything before you can get any real work done.

OpenClaw memory solves this. MemClaw is the memory skill that gives Claude persistent, project-scoped workspaces across every session.

MemClaw workspace overview

How MemClaw Memory Works​

MemClaw doesn't store a global memory blob. It creates an isolated workspace per project. When you open a session and load a workspace, the agent restores full project context in about 8 seconds. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our persistent memory setup guide.

What gets stored per workspace:

  • Living README — project background, preferences, current status. Updates automatically as work happens.
  • Artifacts — documents, reports, URLs, files attached to this project. Reference them by name in any session.
  • Tasks — auto-tracked as the agent works. See what's done, in progress, and next without asking.
  • Decisions — why you chose X over Y, logged so the agent never contradicts a past decision.

Why Per-Project Isolation Matters​

Global memory (one memory store for everything) creates its own problem: context from Project A bleeds into Project B. A decision made for one client gets applied to another.

MemClaw's per-project isolation means:

  • Each project has its own clean context
  • Switching projects means switching workspaces — zero bleed
  • Five projects in parallel, each with its own state. For tips on naming, structuring, and scaling workspaces, read our workspace organization best practices guide

Using MemClaw with OpenClaw​

Once installed, working with MemClaw is natural language:

# Load a workspace
load workspace my-api-project

# Claude restores context:
# Working on payment service refactor.
# Decision: idempotency keys on all POST endpoints.
# In progress: webhook handler.
# Next: retry logic tests.

# Save a decision
save decision: using Redis for sessions — Postgres latency too high under load

# Log a task complete
mark webhook handler as done

The workspace updates automatically as the agent works. You don't need to manually save most things.

Cross-Agent Compatible​

MemClaw workspaces work across Claude Code, OpenClaw, Gemini CLI, and Codex. If you switch agents mid-project, they share the same workspace — no duplication, no divergence. If you primarily use Claude, check out our guide on adding persistent memory to Claude Projects.

Who Uses MemClaw​

  • Developers — codebase context, architecture decisions, task tracking
  • Freelancers — one workspace per client, zero context bleed
  • Product managers — feature context, stakeholder notes, decision history
  • Sales professionals — deal history, client requirements, follow-up tasks
  • Anyone managing multiple projects with AI agents

Go Deeper​

Want to explore specific aspects of OpenClaw memory? These guides cover each topic in depth:

How to Install MemClaw​

Claude Code Plugin Marketplace (recommended):

/plugin marketplace add Felo-Inc/memclaw
/plugin install memclaw@memclaw
export FELO_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

Get your API key at felo.ai/settings/api-keys. OpenClaw:

bash <(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Felo-Inc/memclaw/main/scripts/openclaw-install.sh)

memclaw.me | GitHub