> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chief.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Compressing memories to reduce clutter

> Over time you can end up with several memories that say almost the same thing.

Over time you can end up with several [memories](/help/memories/what-are-memories) that say almost the same thing. Compressing merges a group of them into a single, concise memory — so Chief has cleaner context and your list is shorter.

## Compress a group of memories

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx/images/help/memory-compress.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx&q=85&s=981ff2c5444d04a467a69f17a902a50a" alt="The selection bar with two memories selected and the Compress button" width="1400" height="311" data-path="images/help/memory-compress.png" />
</Frame>

1. Open the [memory page](/help/memories/personal-vs-project-vs-organization-memories) for the scope you want and find the memories you want to merge.
2. Tick the checkbox on each memory card you want to include. You need to select at least **two**.
3. A selection bar appears showing **"\{count} selected"**. Click the **Compress** button (the merge icon) in that bar.
4. A dialog titled **Compress memories** opens and shows *"Compressing memories..."* while Chief merges them.
5. Chief shows the proposed result: one or more merged memories, each in an editable text box with a category tag and an importance value. Edit the wording if you like, or click the trash icon to drop a proposed memory.
6. Click **Confirm** to save the merged result. To back out, click **Cancel**.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx/images/help/memory-compress-modal.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx&q=85&s=c3421b829eb9dc971a581ef988980c1a" alt="The Compress memories dialog showing the merged result before confirming" width="1100" height="698" data-path="images/help/memory-compress-modal.png" />
</Frame>

<Tip>
  🚀 **Pro-Tip:** The **Compress** button only turns on once you've selected two or more memories. Use the **Select all** checkbox at the top to grab everything quickly, then untick the ones you want to keep separate.
</Tip>

<Note>
  ℹ️ **Good to Know:** You're always shown a preview before anything is saved. Nothing is merged until you click **Confirm**, so you can review and fix the result first.
</Note>

## If compression fails

If something goes wrong, the dialog shows *"Failed to compress memories. Please try again."* Click **Retry** to try again, or **Cancel** to close. Your original memories are untouched until you confirm a successful result.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The Compress button is greyed out.">
    Compress needs at least two selected memories. Tick a second checkbox and the button becomes active. (Selecting just one enables [**Delete selected**](/help/memories/creating-editing-memories) instead.)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will compressing change the wording of my memories?">
    It produces a merged, concise version — but you review it first. The result appears in editable text boxes, so you can adjust every word before clicking **Confirm**. Nothing is saved until you do.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I don't see checkboxes on my memories.">
    Checkboxes only appear on memories you can edit. For shared **Project Memories** and [**Organization Memory**](/help/organization-administration/organization-memory-shared-across-all-projects), that depends on your role. Memories you can't edit can't be selected for compression.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>