> ## 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.

# Overview

> The Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and ChatGPT connect to Archie and work with your data. Archie exposes two MCP servers: a platform assistant for managing Archie, and a per-project MCP Server for your project's own data.

The **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** is an open standard that lets an AI assistant connect to an external system and use its tools. Archie speaks MCP, so assistants like **Claude**, **Cursor**, and **ChatGPT** can read and act on your data through a secure connection — no glue code to write.

Archie exposes **two** MCP servers, for two different jobs:

> **[Archie MCP](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/mcp-server/archie-mcp)**
>
> A platform-wide assistant for **managing Archie itself** — browse your projects and organizations and work across them. You sign in with your Archie account.

> **[MCP Server (per project)](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/mcp-server/client-mcp)**
>
> A **per-project** connector you enable for a single project. Your project's users and agents query that project's data — governed by your project roles, data-only by design.

## Which one do I want?

| | Archie MCP | MCP Server (per project) |
| - | - | - |
| **Scope** | All your projects and organizations | One project |
| **Who connects** | You, the Archie account holder | Your project's own users / agents |
| **What it does** | Manage the platform (list projects, environments, organizations) | Read and write **that project's data** |
| **How it authenticates** | Your Archie identity | The project's sign-in **or** a project API key |
| **Permissions** | Your platform access | The connecting user's **project roles** ([RBAC](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/role-based-access.md)) |

> [!NOTE]
>
> The per-project **MCP Server** is **data-only** and **separate** from the Archie MCP. It never exposes platform or admin operations — a connected user can only do what their project role allows, over that project's data. Turning it on for one project has no effect on any other project.

## Key concepts

* **Data-only surface.** The MCP Server exposes tools to explore your API, run GraphQL operations, and search your data — not to administer the platform. See [Tools](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/mcp-server/client-mcp#tools).
* **Permissions are inherited.** A user who connects the MCP Server acts with **their own project role**. The MCP does not grant new access; it uses [Role-Based Access](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/role-based-access.md) and any [row-level filters](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/row-level-filters.md) exactly as the GraphQL API does.
* **Two ways to authenticate.** Depending on the [authentication providers](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/authentication-providers/overview.md) your project has enabled, users either **sign in** with their project identity (a browser login, no token to paste) or authenticate with a **project [API key](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/authentication-providers/archie-auth/getting-started.md)**.
* **You control the identity and the tools.** From the panel you set the server's **name, icon, and description**, and curate which tools it exposes.

## Get started

**1. Enable the MCP Server for your project**

Go to **Backend → App Services → MCP Server** and turn it on. See [MCP Server](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/mcp-server/client-mcp).

**2. Connect your assistant**

Pick your tool (Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT, or another MCP client) and copy the connection details the panel shows you. See [Connecting an assistant](https://archie.com/docs/features/backend/app-services/mcp-server/connecting).

**3. Ask about your data**

Your assistant can now explore the API and query your project's data, within the connecting user's permissions.


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