memory-lifecycle

Move notes between status folders and update YAML frontmatter metadata.

25|3|Updated Feb 14, 2026

Search Tags:#workflow automation #archiving #status update #lifecycle management #entity management #note organization

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory-skills --skill memory-lifecycle

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: memory-lifecycle
Source: https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory-skills/tree/main/memory-lifecycle
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory-skills --skill memory-lifecycle

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps manage the lifecycle of entities within Basic Memory by providing a clear framework for updating their status, moving them between organizational folders, and ensuring that valuable information is archived rather than deleted.

Core Features & Use Cases

Status Transition Management: Handles user-defined status changes like "completed," "missed," "cancelled," or "paused."
Folder Organization: Moves notes to appropriate status-based folders (e.g., active/ to archive/).
Frontmatter Updates: Modifies YAML frontmatter to reflect new statuses and completion dates.
Use Case: When a user indicates a task is "done," this skill will move the corresponding note to the tasks/completed/ folder and update its frontmatter to status: completed.

Quick Start

Use the memory-lifecycle skill to mark the 'quarterly report' entity as completed and move it to the archive folder.

Frequently Asked Questions about memory-lifecycle

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I archive notes instead of deleting them in a knowledge graph?▼

To archive notes instead of deleting them, this skill moves entities to designated status folders and updates their YAML frontmatter. This ensures data persistence by transitioning items to an archived state within your knowledge graph.

How do I update entity status and move notes to completed folders automatically?▼

You can update entity status by triggering a transition like 'completed' or 'paused'. The skill automatically moves the corresponding notes to appropriate status-based folders, such as moving a finished task to the tasks/completed/ directory.

What is entity lifecycle management for note organization?▼

Entity lifecycle management tracks the organizational movement of items within a knowledge graph. It provides a clear framework for updating status changes, moving notes between active and archive folders, and modifying frontmatter metadata to reflect completion or cancellation.

Can I use custom status transitions like paused or cancelled for workflow automation?▼

Yes, you can use custom status transitions for workflow automation. The skill handles user-defined statuses including completed, missed, cancelled, or paused, moving notes to designated folders and updating frontmatter metadata accordingly.

Does marking a task as done automatically update YAML frontmatter metadata?▼

Yes, marking a task as done automatically updates YAML frontmatter metadata. The skill modifies the frontmatter to reflect the new status, such as setting status: completed, and records the completion date.

Why should I use archiving instead of deleting notes in my knowledge base?▼

Archiving instead of deleting notes ensures valuable information remains persistent and accessible within your knowledge base. It maintains historical context by moving items to an archive folder with updated metadata rather than permanently removing data.