Memory overview

  • Updated

Memory lets Optimizely Opal reference facts and context from your previous conversations. You spend less time repeating background, preferences, and working style.

Memory files live in the same personal file store as your other files. See Personal files overview to learn about personal files as a whole.

How memory works

Opal captures memory in two ways:

  • On its own – Opal can store a fact, a preference, or a working style it notices during a conversation, without you asking directly.
  • On request – Ask Opal directly to remember something, for example, "Remember that I prefer concise summaries."

In later conversations, Opal references these memories automatically, so you do not need to repeat yourself.

Types of memory

Opal stores memory in two kinds of files:

  • Facts – Short, durable details about you, such as your role, your organization, or a stated preference. Opal stores facts in FACTS.md.
  • Notes – Broader context, such as a decision, a project update, or background information. Opal stores notes in a file you or Opal names, for example preferences.md.

Opal also keeps a running summary of your recent conversations and agent activity in RECENTS.md. Opal updates this file on its own as you use Opal.

How memory differs from skills

Memory stores facts about you that persist across conversations. Skills store reusable instructions for tasks you repeat often.

View and edit your memory

Go to Context > Personal Files to view your memory files.

Screenshot of Opal with Context > Personal Files displayed, where memory files appear alongside other personal files.

Opal generates MEMORY.md automatically and treats it as read-only. Other memory files, such as FACTS.md, are editable in Personal Files like any other file. See Manage personal files for steps to view, edit, rename, or delete a file.