MCP File Downloader š
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables Claude Desktop to download files from the web, with automatic browser fallback for JavaScript-heavy sites.
šÆ Why This Exists
Claude Desktop can't natively download files. This MCP server bridges that gap, providing:
Direct HTTP downloads with smart redirect handling
Automatic browser-based fallback for complex sites
Seamless integration with Claude Desktop
Perfect for downloading datasets, documents, and files from sites that use JavaScript for download links.
⨠Features
Smart Download Strategy: Tries HTTP first, falls back to browser if needed
10-Level Redirect Support: Handles complex redirect chains
JavaScript Rendering: Uses Playwright for sites requiring browser execution
Flexible File Naming: Auto-names from URL or accepts custom names
Cross-Platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
š Quick Start
Prerequisites
Node.js 18+
Claude Desktop
Installation
Clone the repository:
Install dependencies:
Add to Claude Desktop config:
Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Restart Claude Desktop
š Usage
In Claude Desktop, you can now download files:
Parameters
url (required): The URL to download from
filename (optional): Save as this filename. Can include full path
use_browser (optional): Force browser download method
š§ Advanced Usage
Force Browser Mode
For sites that always need JavaScript:
Custom Save Location
š Project Structure
š¤ Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request. For major changes, please open an issue first to discuss what you would like to change.
Development Setup
Fork the repository
Create your feature branch (
git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature
)Commit your changes (
git commit -m 'Add some AmazingFeature'
)Push to the branch (
git push origin feature/AmazingFeature
)Open a Pull Request
š Troubleshooting
"Too many redirects" error
The site likely requires JavaScript. Use use_browser: true
parameter.
Downloads failing
Check that Node.js has write permissions to your download directory.
Claude doesn't see the tool
Verify the path in claude_desktop_config.json is correct
Fully quit Claude Desktop (check system tray)
Restart Claude Desktop
š License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
š Acknowledgments
Built for the Model Context Protocol ecosystem
Uses Playwright for browser automation
Inspired by the need to download ETF holdings data in Claude Desktop
š§ Contact
For questions or support, please open an issue on GitHub.
Note: This is an independent project and not officially affiliated with Anthropic or Claude.
local-only server
The server can only run on the client's local machine because it depends on local resources.
Tools
Enables Claude Desktop to download files from web URLs with automatic browser fallback for JavaScript-heavy sites. Supports smart redirect handling, custom file naming, and cross-platform compatibility.