what is Apple Shortcuts MCP Server?

Apple Shortcuts MCP Server is a tool that enables AI assistants like Claude to control and automate tasks on macOS via Apple Shortcuts. It uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to interact with local services in a safe and controlled way.

How to use Apple Shortcuts MCP Server?

1. Ensure prerequisites are met (Node.js v18+, Claude Desktop, macOS with Shortcuts app configured).
2. Configure Claude Desktop with the provided JSON settings or clone the repository and set up a local build.
3. Use commands like "list shortcuts" or specify a shortcut name with inputs to automate tasks.

Key features of Apple Shortcuts MCP Server?

• Enables AI assistants to list and run Apple Shortcuts.
• Supports optional input parameters for shortcuts.
• Provides a simple interface for automation control.
• Runs safely within the MCP framework to keep user in control.

Use cases of Apple Shortcuts MCP Server?

1. Automate macOS tasks via AI assistants (e.g., playing a song, getting the daily word).
2. Control shortcuts through voice or text commands in apps like Claude.
3. Integrate AI with macOS workflows for productivity tasks.

FAQ from Apple Shortcuts MCP Server?

• What is MCP?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows AI apps like Claude to safely connect to external tools and data sources.

• How do I configure Claude Desktop?

Use the provided JSON configuration to enable the Apple Shortcuts server or set up a local build.

• Can I use this without Apple Shortcuts pre-configured?

No, macOS must have the Shortcuts app configured with at least one shortcut available.

• Is this server secure?

Yes, it operates within MCP’s controlled framework to ensure safety.

Apple Shortcuts MCP Server 🤖

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that lets AI assistants like Claude control Apple Shortcuts automations. This enables AI models to trigger shortcuts and automate tasks on macOS in a safe and controlled way.

What is MCP? 🤔

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a system that lets AI apps, like Claude Desktop, connect to external tools and data sources. It gives a clear and safe way for AI assistants to work with local services and APIs while keeping the user in control.

What does this server do? 🚀

The Apple Shortcuts MCP server:

• Enables AI assistants to list available shortcuts
• Allows running shortcuts by name with optional input parameters
• Provides a simple interface for automation control

Prerequisites 📋

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• Node.js (v18 or higher)
• Claude Desktop installed
• macOS with Shortcuts app configured

Configuration to use Apple Shortcuts Server ⚙️

Here's the Claude Desktop configuration to use the Apple Shortcuts server:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "apple-shortcuts": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-server-apple-shortcuts"]
    }
  }
}

Build Apple Shortcuts Server and run locally 🛠️

1. Clone this repository:

git clone git@github.com:recursechat/mcp-server-apple-shortcuts.git

2. Install dependencies:

npm install

3. Build project

npm run build

Here's the Claude Desktop configuration to use the Apple Shortcuts server with a local build:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "apple-shortcuts": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["/path/to/mcp-server-apple-shortcuts/build/index.js"],
    }
  }
}

Usage 🎯

You can ask Claude "list shortcuts" or run a specific shortcut with the shortcut name, for example "get word of the day" or "play a song".

License ⚖️

Apache-2.0