Anytype + Claude MCP Setup (Self-Hosted).md

Anytype + Claude MCP Setup (Self-Hosted)

This guide covers integrating a self-hosted Anytype instance (running on a VPS) with Claude Desktop via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Prerequisites

• Anytype Desktop (v0.46.0 or later) installed locally.
• Node.js installed locally (to run npx).
• Claude Desktop app installed.
• Access to your VPS client-config.yml.

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Step 1: Connect Local Anytype to VPS

Anytype's API currently runs through the desktop client. You must point your local app to your self-hosted node.

1. Log Out of Anytype on your computer.
2. On the onboarding screen, click the Gear Icon (top right).
3. Set the Network field to Self-hosted.
4. Upload your VPS client-config.yml file and click Save.
5. Log back into your identity.

Step 2: Generate API Key

1. In Anytype, go to App Settings > API Keys.
2. Click Create new.
3. Copy the Bearer Token immediately; it will not be shown again.

Step 3: Configure Claude Desktop

1. Open Claude Desktop.
2. Go to Settings > Developer > Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json.
3. Add the following configuration (replace <YOUR_API_KEY> with your token):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "anytype": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@anyproto/anytype-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "OPENAPI_MCP_HEADERS": "{\"Authorization\":\"Bearer <YOUR_API_KEY>\"}"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 4: Verify Connection

1. Restart Claude Desktop completely (Quit and Re-open).
2. Look for the Plug Icon in the bottom right of the chat bar to confirm the server is active.
3. Test a command: Ask Claude, "What are the names of my Anytype spaces?" or "Create a new note in Anytype called 'Claude Test'."