FAQ
About setup, skills, billing, and the methodology. Can't find what you need? Email us.
Getting started
What is Knack, exactly?
Knack is a subscription MCP (Model Context Protocol) server. When you connect Claude Code to Knack with your API key, your Claude Code sessions gain access to authenticated skills — structured guidance files that encode proven build methodology. Skills load on demand. You only load what you need for a given session.
What do I need to use Knack?
You need Claude Code (Anthropic's CLI tool) and a Knack subscription. That's it. No additional software, no local files to manage, no CLI plugins to install.
How do I connect Knack to Claude Code?
Add one entry to your Claude Code MCP config file (.mcp.json in your project root, or your global Claude Code config). Replace YOUR_API_KEY with the key we email you at signup:
How long does setup take?
Under five minutes from checkout to first skill call. Your API key arrives by email within seconds of subscribing. The MCP config entry is a one-time edit.
Skills & methodology
What is a "skill"?
A skill is a structured methodology document that loads into your Claude Code session context on demand. When you call session-manager, Knack delivers the full ACMS session lifecycle guide into your active Claude Code context. Skills tell Claude Code how to approach problems — not just what to build, but how to think about building it.
What is ACMS?
ACMS stands for Autonomous Chain Mode System. It's the build methodology encoded in Knack skills — sequential overnight sessions where Claude Code executes autonomously, gate verification ensures each session's output before advancing, and session N's output becomes session N+1's input. Knack is built using ACMS. The product proves the methodology it sells.
How do I call a skill in a Claude Code session?
Just ask for it naturally. "Use the session-manager skill" or "Load build-planner" will trigger the MCP tool call. Claude Code fetches the skill from Knack and loads it into context. You can also ask "What Knack skills do I have available?" to see your tier's full list.
Do skills update automatically?
Yes. Skills are delivered from Knack's servers every time you call them. When we improve a skill, every subscriber inherits the update automatically — no reinstalls, no version management, no action required.
What are behavioral skills?
Pro-tier skills that encode judgment patterns rather than technical procedures. scope-discipline teaches Claude Code to resist scope expansion mid-session. failure-pattern-recognition surfaces common failure modes before they happen. verification-instinct builds the habit of gate-checking before advancing. These are the patterns that separate reliable autonomous sessions from frustrating ones.
Billing & account
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Cancel from your Stripe customer portal at any time. Access continues until the end of your current billing period. No penalties, no cancellation fees.
What happens to my API key when I cancel?
Your key remains active until your subscription expires at the end of the billing period. After that, calls to knack.build/sse will return an authentication error. Your MCP config entry will need to be removed or updated.
What happens at the end of the Starter 60-day period?
Your subscription auto-converts to Foundation at $99/month. You'll receive an email reminder before the conversion date. You can cancel, upgrade to a higher tier, or let it convert — your choice.
Can I upgrade my tier mid-billing cycle?
Yes. Upgrades take effect immediately and Stripe prorates the charge. Downgrades take effect at the next renewal.
How does Team billing work?
The team admin sets up the account and assigns a tier to each seat — Foundation ($99), Builder ($199), or Pro ($349). Stripe issues a single invoice per cycle with line items for each seat. Every seat on a Team plan gets dashboard access regardless of their individual tier.
Technical
Does Knack store my code or session data?
No. Knack's MCP server delivers skill content to your Claude Code session. Your code never leaves your machine. Session usage logs (which skills were called, at what time) are stored for billing and dashboard purposes only.
What if I try to call a skill outside my tier?
Knack returns a clear error explaining which tier is required for that skill. Your session continues — you're not blocked, you just don't get the skill content. The Pro dashboard surfaces these blocked attempts as upgrade signals.
Is the MCP server always available?
Knack runs on Cloudflare Workers — a globally distributed edge network with no cold start and near-100% uptime. For planned maintenance, we'll notify subscribers by email in advance.