iterm-mcp
Give MCP clients access to your iTerm session to run commands, read output, and drive REPLs.
Add to your client
Copy the config for your MCP client and paste it into its config file.
npx -y iterm-mcpPaste into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"iterm-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"iterm-mcp"
]
}
}
}Step-by-step guides: Add to Claude Desktop · Add to Cursor · Add to Windsurf
Before you start
- iTerm2 must be running
- Node version 18 or greater
About iterm-mcp
A Model Context Protocol server that provides access to your iTerm session, letting a model run commands, read terminal output, send control characters, and interact with REPLs. The user shares their iTerm window with the model for natural, observable collaboration.
Tools & capabilities (3)
write_to_terminalWrites to the active iTerm terminal, often used to run a command. Returns the number of lines of output produced by the command.
read_terminal_outputReads the requested number of lines from the active iTerm terminal.
send_control_characterSends a control character to the active iTerm terminal (e.g. ctrl-c, ctrl-z).
When to use it
- Delegate a terminal task to the model and watch it perform each step in your iTerm session
- Ask questions about what is currently on the terminal screen
- Start and interact with REPLs, sending control characters as needed
- Inspect only the last few lines of output from long-running commands for efficient token use
Security notes
No built-in restrictions: iterm-mcp makes no attempt to evaluate the safety of commands that are executed. The user is responsible for using the tool safely and is expected to monitor activity and abort when appropriate. Models can behave in unexpected ways; for multi-step tasks you may need to interrupt the model if it goes off track.
iterm-mcp FAQ
How do I install it for Claude Desktop?
Add the server config to your claude_desktop_config.json (on macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json) using command "npx" with args ["-y", "iterm-mcp"]. You can also install automatically via Smithery: npx -y @smithery/cli install iterm-mcp --client claude.
What are the requirements?
iTerm2 must be running, and you need Node version 18 or greater.
Does it restrict dangerous commands?
No. iterm-mcp makes no attempt to evaluate the safety of commands. The user is responsible for using it safely and should monitor activity and abort when appropriate.
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