MCP Server Config Builder
Generate Model Context Protocol server configuration JSON for Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Windsurf. Fill in the fields or pick a preset — copy the config directly into your app.
Quick Presets
Leave empty if no env vars needed
Generated Config
File: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)?▼
MCP is an open protocol by Anthropic that standardizes how AI applications connect to external tools and data sources. It lets Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and other AI tools talk to file systems, databases, APIs, and more through a consistent server interface — similar to how LSP standardized editor language support.
What is the difference between stdio and SSE transport?▼
stdio (standard input/output) launches the MCP server as a local subprocess — your AI tool spawns it directly. SSE (Server-Sent Events) connects to a remote HTTP server that streams events. Use stdio for local tools (filesystem, shell commands). Use SSE for remote or shared servers accessible via URL.
Why do Claude Desktop and Cursor use the same config format?▼
Both tools adopted the same mcpServers JSON schema to maximize compatibility. The config key name differs slightly (Claude Desktop uses ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json, Cursor uses ~/.cursor/mcp.json), but the structure inside is identical. Windsurf follows the same convention.
Are environment variables in the config secure?▼
The config files are stored in plaintext on your local machine. For development this is acceptable, but for production or shared machines consider using a secrets manager. Never commit config files with real API keys to version control — add them to .gitignore immediately.
Where do I put the config file for each app?▼
Claude Desktop: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (Windows). Cursor: ~/.cursor/mcp.json. Windsurf: ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json. Restart the app after editing.
What does the npx command do in MCP server configs?▼
npx downloads and runs the MCP server package from npm without a permanent installation. On first run it downloads the package; subsequent runs use the npm cache. This is the simplest way to use community MCP servers. For production use, consider npm install -g to avoid cold-start delays.
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