Getting Started with VaultMemo

Requirements

macOS 12 or later
Ollama (free, local AI runtime)
Obsidian (if using vault mode)
Whisper installs automatically on first use

Step 1 — Install Ollama

Open Terminal and run:

curl -fsSL https://ollama.ai/install.sh | sh

That's it. Ollama is now installed and ready.

Step 2 — Install VaultMemo

Download the DMG, open it, and drag VaultMemo into your Applications folder.

First launch: Right-click VaultMemo → Open → Open. You'll only need to do this once — it's a standard Mac security step for apps downloaded outside the App Store.

Download VaultMemo

Step 3 — Configure your vault

Open VaultMemo and turn on Obsidian Mode. Point the Inbox and Journal folders to the matching folders inside your Obsidian vault so new notes land where you expect them.

Step 4 — Drop a file

Drag a voice memo (or any supported audio file) onto VaultMemo. It will transcribe with Whisper, summarise and tag with Ollama, and file a note into your vault. You’re done.

Troubleshooting

“Processing failed”

Make sure Ollama is running. In Terminal, run ollama serve and leave that window open, then try again.

Whisper downloading on first use

This is normal. VaultMemo downloads the Whisper model the first time you transcribe. It can take a few minutes depending on your connection.

Right-click to open on first launch

macOS blocks unknown developers by default. Right-click → Open is only required once; afterward the app opens like any other.

Ollama model not found

If filing or summarisation fails, make sure Ollama is running (menu bar icon or ollama serve in Terminal). The AI model downloads automatically on your first processed file — give it a few minutes if it’s still loading.