How to add MCP Claude Code to Claude Desktop

Claude Code-style coding agent over MCP: read/edit files, run commands, search code, delegate to sub-agents. Paste the config into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json and restart Claude Desktop.

Last updated June 14, 2026 · 301★ · stdio · no auth

Claude Desktop config for MCP Claude Code

uvx --from mcp-claude-code claudecode --install

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-claude-code": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "--from",
        "mcp-claude-code",
        "claudecode",
        "--allow-path",
        "/path/allow",
        "--project",
        "/path/project1",
        "--project",
        "/path/project2"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Requires `uv` (the Python package runner). Install it from https://docs.astral.sh/uv/ if `uvx` is not found.

Setup steps

1Open Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config (this opens ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json).
2Paste the MCP Claude Code config below under the top-level "mcpServers" key.
3Fill in any placeholder secrets (API keys, paths) in the snippet.
4Save the file, then fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop.
5Open a chat and confirm MCP Claude Code's tools appear under the 🔌 tools menu.

Before you start

Python 3.12 or later
Claude Desktop application (or another MCP client)
uv/uvx or pip to install the mcp-claude-code package
Optional: ripgrep for enhanced search performance
Optional: an LLM provider API key (LiteLLM-compatible) to enable the agent tool

What MCP Claude Code can do in Claude Desktop

read

Read file contents with line numbers, offset, and limit capabilities.

write

Create or overwrite files.

edit

Make line-based edits to text files.

multi_edit

Make multiple precise text replacements in a single file operation with atomic transactions.

directory_tree

Get a recursive tree view of directories.

grep

Fast pattern search in files with ripgrep integration for best performance.

content_replace

Replace patterns in file contents.

grep_ast

Search code with AST context showing matches within functions, classes, and other structures.

Security

Access is restricted to directories passed via --allow-path; file modifications and command execution trigger permission handling, with input validation and sanitization. The run_command tool executes arbitrary shell commands within allowed paths, so only grant access to directories you trust. The optional agent tool requires an LLM provider API key (passed via --agent-api-key or environment variables such as OPENAI_API_KEY / ANTHROPIC_API_KEY).

MCP Claude Code + Claude Desktop FAQ

Where is the Claude Desktop config file?

Claude Desktop reads MCP servers from ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. Paste the MCP Claude Code config there under the "mcpServers" key and restart the client.

Is MCP Claude Code safe to use with Claude Desktop?

How do I install and configure it?

The recommended method is uvx: run `uvx --from mcp-claude-code claudecode --install` to auto-configure Claude Desktop, or add a manual `mcpServers` entry with command `uvx` and args `--from mcp-claude-code claudecode --allow-path /path/allow`. You can also `pip install mcp-claude-code` and use the `claudecode` command directly.

How is filesystem access secured?

The server only accesses directories you explicitly pass via `--allow-path` (multiple allowed). File modifications and command execution use permission handling, and inputs are validated and sanitized.

How do I enable the agent (sub-agent) tool?

Add `--enable-agent-tool` and configure an LLM provider with `--agent-model` (LiteLLM format, e.g. `openai/gpt-4o` or `anthropic/claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022`) plus `--agent-api-key`, or use environment variables like OPENAI_API_KEY / ANTHROPIC_API_KEY. It is disabled by default.

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