Tool Agents
Claude

Claude Desktop MCP - Setup Guide

Integrate your BuildShip tools with Claude Desktop using MCP (Multi-Channel Protocol) for seamless agent workflows. This guide will walk you through installing the necessary software, connecting your tool, and verifying the setup.


Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  1. Claude Desktop

Download and install Claude Desktop (opens in a new tab) for your operating system.

  1. Workflow Shipped

Use the "Ship" button in BuildShip to deploy your workflow.

  1. Node.js & npm

Install Node.js and npm (opens in a new tab) if you haven't already.
After installing, verify with:

node -v
npm -v

Adding the MCP Tool to Claude

You have two main options for connecting your BuildShip tool to Claude:

Option 1: Hosted on BuildShip (Recommended)

This is the easiest way to get started and is fully managed by BuildShip.

Open your terminal

Copy and run the following command in your terminal:

npx -y buildship-tools create-mcp-server --project <PROJECT_ID> --flows <FLOW_ID> --apiKey <API_KEY> --token <ID_TOKEN> --outputFolder <TOOL_NAME> --client claude --proxy

Replace the placeholders (<PROJECT_ID>, etc.) with your actual values as provided by BuildShip.

Restart Claude Desktop

If Claude is open, close and reopen it. This loads the new MCP tool.

Verify Installation

  • Open Claude Desktop.
  • Look for a Tool icon in Claude Chat.
  • Try asking Claude to use the tool (e.g., "Summarize Linear changes in the last 3 days").
  • When prompted, allow Claude to use the tool.
💡
Tip: If Claude doesn't prompt to use the tool, try explicitly asking it to use the tool by name.

Note: Since the tool is hosted on BuildShip, executions will use your BuildShip credits.

Example Screenshot:

Claude Tool Example

Option 2: Self-Hosted

For advanced users who want to run the tool locally.

Open your terminal

Run the following command in your terminal:

npx -y buildship-tools create-mcp-server --project <PROJECT_ID> --flows <FLOW_ID> --apiKey <API_KEY> --token <ID_TOKEN> --outputFolder <TOOL_NAME> --client claude

This will: - Convert your workflow into a JavaScript function. - Download the function to your local machine.

Connect to Claude

Use the MCP protocol to connect your local server to Claude Desktop.

Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Permission Prompt: The first time you use a tool, Claude will ask for permission. Choose Allow once or Allow always.

  • Images & Files: MCP currently has limited support for passing images/files through Claude. For now, pass images as URLs.

  • Community Tools: Browse or generate tools using BuildShip’s conversational AI. Check the BuildShip tool library (opens in a new tab) for more examples.

Need Help?

  • 💬
    Join BuildShip Community

    An active and large community of no-code / low-code builders. Ask questions, share feedback, showcase your project and connect with other BuildShip enthusiasts.

  • 🙋
    Hire a BuildShip Expert

    Need personalized help to build your product fast? Browse and hire from a range of independent freelancers, agencies and builders - all well versed with BuildShip.

  • 🛟
    Send a Support Request

    Got a specific question on your workflows / project or want to report a bug? Send a us a request using the "Support" button directly from your BuildShip Dashboard.

  • ⭐️
    Feature Request

    Something missing in BuildShip for you? Share on the #FeatureRequest channel on Discord. Also browse and cast your votes on other feature requests.