MCP Servers

An MCP server, short for Model Context Protocol server, is a lightweight program that exposes specific capabilities to AI models via a standardized protocol, enabling AI to interact with external data sources and tools.

MCP servers allows you to extend BoltAI's capabilities with custom tools and commands.

Starting from v1.34, you can add any MCP server to BoltAI. Read the guide below to get started.

How to add a new MCP server to BoltAI mac app?

BoltAI follows the standard MCP configuration convention and stores all data in an mcp.json file. There are a few ways to add a new MCP server to BoltAI.

  1. Import from another app.

  2. Use Smithery command line tool

  3. Edit the configuration file directly.

Import from another app

If you're already using an MCP client like Cursor or Claude desktop app, you can import the configuration in 2 simple steps.

  1. Go to Settings > Plugins.

  2. Click the elipsis button, select "Import from Cursor" or "Import from Claude".

Your MCP servers should show up on the plugin list.

Use Smithery command line tool

If your favorite MCP servers are on Smithery, you can use their cli to install it automatically.

  1. In Installation > Auto, find BoltAI in the dropdown

  2. Run the terminal command to install the server

  3. Open BoltAI > Settings > Plugins. Click the elipsis button, select "Reload Config"

Edit MCP configuration

Go to Settings > Plugins. Click the plus button. Update the file content and click Save Changes.

How to use an MCP server in BoltAI?

In BoltAI, an MCP server functions similarly to an AI plugin: simply enable it in the Plugin Dropdown, and you can start interacting with the server.

An MCP server functions similarly to an AI plugin
How to use an MCP server in BoltAI

Here are a few useful resources about MCP to help you get started:

FAQs

  • Can I use a remote MCP server? Yes, you can use mcp-remote to convert a remote MCP server to a local Stdio server. Learn more

  • Is MCP configuration sync'ed between devices? No. MCP server configuration might contain sensitive data such as API key or password. Please copy, or symlink the configuration file if needed.

  • Where does BoltAI store the MCP configuration? BoltAI stores all configuration in /Users/<user>/.boltai/mcp.json

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