---
name: "OpenClaw memory is files: USER.md, MEMORY.md, memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md, DREAMS.md"
description: "Use when OpenClaw memory is files: USER.md, MEMORY.md, memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md, DREAMS.md."
---

# OpenClaw memory is files: USER.md, MEMORY.md, memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md, DREAMS.md

## When
Use when OpenClaw is about to remember in chat instead of the file layout.

## Stop
Memory is files. Do not keep rotating facts only in the session.

## Steps
1. Workspace (default `~/.openclaw/workspace`):
2. Say `Remember that I prefer TypeScript.` — the agent writes the right file.
3. Action-sensitive notes must include when it is safe to act, expiry, and owner.
4. Tools (memory-core): `memory_search`, `memory_get` (paths outside MEMORY.md / memory/ rejected), `intent` for event-conditioned standing intents.
5. Silent flush before compaction is on by default; disable with `agents.defaults.compaction.memoryFlush.enabled: false`.
6. If MEMORY.md exceeds bootstrap budget, the file stays intact on disk but the injected copy is truncated — move detail into `memory/*.md`.

## Load
USER.md, MEMORY.md, memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md, DREAMS.md.