> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://archie.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting an assistant

> Connect Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, or any MCP-capable assistant to your project's MCP Server. The panel gives you ready-to-paste connection details for each tool.

Once the [MCP Server](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/mcp-server/client-mcp) is enabled, the panel shows a **Connect an assistant** section. Pick your tool and copy the connection details — they already carry your project's address, so there's nothing to type by hand.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Every tool below connects to the **same** MCP Server. What differs is where you paste the connection details and how the tool authenticates. The exact URL and config are shown in the panel — copy them from there rather than typing them.

**Claude**

Claude connects as a **custom connector**.

**1. Copy the Claude URL**

In the panel's **Claude** tab, copy the connection URL. Claude needs the per-project address the panel shows for it.

**2. Add the connector**

In Claude, open **Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector** and paste the URL.

**3. Authenticate**

A window opens — **sign in** with your project account (or, on API-key projects, the config includes the `Authorization` header to fill in). Approve the tools.

For **Claude Code** (the CLI), the panel also gives you a ready `claude mcp add ...` command — run it in your terminal.

**Cursor**

Cursor reads an `mcp.json` entry.

**1. Copy the configuration**

In the panel's **Cursor** tab, copy the JSON block.

**2. Add the server**

In Cursor, open **Settings → Tools & MCP → New MCP server** and paste it, or save it as `.cursor/mcp.json` in your project.

**3. Authenticate**

Sign in with your project account in the browser window that opens, or — on API-key projects — the JSON already includes the `Authorization` header; replace the placeholder with your key.

**ChatGPT**

ChatGPT connects as a **custom connector** (requires a plan that supports connectors).

**1. Copy the URL**

In the panel's **ChatGPT** tab, copy the connection URL.

**2. Add the connector**

In ChatGPT, open **Settings → Connectors** and add a custom connector by URL.

**3. Authenticate**

Sign in with your project account and approve access.

**Other assistants**

Most MCP-capable assistants connect the same way: add an **"MCP server"** or **"connector"** by URL, using the connection URL from the panel's **Other** tab. Sign in when prompted, or send a project API key as the `Authorization: Bearer <key>` header.

## Sign-in vs. API key

The connection details adapt to your project's [authentication providers](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/authentication-providers/overview.md):

* **Sign-in (identity):** connecting opens a login window — no token to paste. Best for human users.
* **API key:** the config includes an `Authorization: Bearer` header. Create a key under **Backend → App Services → Authentication Providers** and replace the placeholder. Best for automated agents and CI.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Treat a project API key like a password. It carries the permissions of the role it belongs to. Store it in a secret manager, never commit it, and rotate it if it leaks.

## Refreshing after a change

Assistants cache the server's details from when you connected. If you change the server's **name, icon, or description** — or switch authentication — **disconnect and reconnect** the connector so the assistant reads the new details.

## FAQ

> **Why does Claude need a different URL than Cursor?**
>
> Claude derives the sign-in server from the connection URL, so its address carries the project in the host. The panel shows the correct URL for each tool — always copy Claude's URL from the Claude tab.

> **Can I connect more than one assistant?**
>
> Yes. The MCP Server accepts connections from any number of tools and users at once. Each connection authenticates independently and runs with that user's permissions.

> **Do I need to redeploy anything to connect?**
>
> No. Enabling the MCP Server and copying the connection details is all that's required on Archie's side.


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