Overview

The Apple Shortcuts MCP Server creates a bridge between AI assistants and the Apple Shortcuts automation system on macOS. This integration allows AI models like Claude to discover and execute your shortcuts, enabling powerful automation capabilities through natural language conversations.

Features

• List all available Apple Shortcuts on your system
• Execute shortcuts by name with optional input parameters
• Provide a simple, secure interface for AI-driven automation

Installation

Prerequisites

Before installing the Apple Shortcuts MCP Server, ensure you have:

1. Node.js v18 or higher installed on your system
2. Claude Desktop application installed
3. macOS with the Shortcuts app configured and containing shortcuts you want to use

Installation Methods

Method 1: Using NPX (Recommended)

The simplest way to use the Apple Shortcuts MCP Server is through NPX, which doesn't require manual installation:

1. Open Claude Desktop
2. Navigate to Settings
3. Add the following configuration to your Claude Desktop settings:

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

Method 2: Local Build

For developers who want to modify or contribute to the server:

1. Clone the repository:

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

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd mcp-server-apple-shortcuts
   

3. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

4. Build the project:

   npm run build
   

5. Configure Claude Desktop to use your local build:

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

Usage

Once configured, you can interact with your Apple Shortcuts through Claude using natural language. Here are some examples:

1. Listing available shortcuts:

   • Ask Claude: "What shortcuts do I have available?"
   • Or: "List all my shortcuts"

2. Running a shortcut:

   • Ask Claude: "Run my 'Get Weather' shortcut"
   • Or: "Execute the shortcut that plays my favorite playlist"

3. Running shortcuts with parameters:

   • Ask Claude: "Run my 'Send Message' shortcut with the text 'I'll be late'"

Permissions and Security

The Apple Shortcuts MCP Server only has access to the shortcuts available on your system and can only execute shortcuts that you've already created. It cannot create new shortcuts or modify existing ones without your explicit action in the Shortcuts app.

When a shortcut is executed, macOS may prompt for permissions depending on the shortcut's actions and your system settings.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with the Apple Shortcuts MCP Server:

1. Ensure Node.js v18+ is installed
2. Verify that your shortcuts are working correctly when run directly from the Shortcuts app
3. Check that Claude Desktop is properly configured with the correct MCP server settings
4. Restart Claude Desktop after making configuration changes

License

The Apple Shortcuts MCP Server is available under the Apache-2.0 license.