This server acts as an MCP bridge to the Claude API, enabling advanced interactions beyond the standard Professional Plan limitations:
Send messages directly to Claude with custom system prompts
Manage conversation history (view, continue, or clear conversations)
Use longer context windows and bypass rate limits
Switch between Professional Plan and API usage seamlessly
Extend functionality by adding custom tools using the
@mcp.tool()
decoratorAccess specific tools like
query_claude
,clear_conversation
, andget_conversation_history
Claude Desktop API Integration via MCP
This project provides an MCP server implementation that enables seamless integration between Claude Desktop and the Claude API. It allows you to bypass Professional Plan limitations and access advanced features like custom system prompts and conversation management.
Features
Direct Claude API integration via MCP
Conversation history tracking and management
System prompt support
Seamless switching between Professional Plan and API usage
Easy configuration with Claude Desktop
When to Use
Professional Plan (default):
Regular conversations in Claude Desktop
Basic usage within plan limits
No special configuration needed
API Token (via this MCP server):
When you need longer context windows
To use custom system prompts
To bypass rate limits
For advanced conversation management
Setup Instructions
Clone the Repository
# Using VS Code: # 1. Press Cmd + Shift + P # 2. Type "Git: Clone" # 3. Paste: https://github.com/mlobo2012/Claude_Desktop_API_USE_VIA_MCP.git # Or using terminal: git clone https://github.com/mlobo2012/Claude_Desktop_API_USE_VIA_MCP.git cd Claude_Desktop_API_USE_VIA_MCPInstall Dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txtConfigure Environment
# Copy environment template cp .env.example .env # Edit .env and add your API key ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_api_key_hereConfigure Claude Desktop
macOS: Navigate to
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/
# Using Finder: # 1. Press Cmd + Shift + G # 2. Enter: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/Windows: Navigate to
%APPDATA%\Claude\
Create or edit
claude_desktop_config.json
Copy contents from
config/claude_desktop_config.json
Update paths and API keys
Usage Guide
Basic Usage
Regular Claude Desktop Usage
Just chat normally with Claude
Uses your Professional Plan
No special commands needed
API Usage
@claude-api Please answer using the API: What is the capital of France?
Advanced Features
Using System Prompts
@claude-api {"system_prompt": "You are an expert fitness coach"} Create a workout planManaging Conversations
# Start a new conversation @claude-api {"conversation_id": "project1"} Let's discuss Python # Continue same conversation @claude-api {"conversation_id": "project1"} Tell me more # View conversation history @claude-api get_conversation_history project1 # Clear conversation @claude-api clear_conversation project1
Cost Management
API calls use your Anthropic API credits and may incur charges
Use the Professional Plan for regular queries
Only use @claude-api when you specifically need:
Longer context windows
Custom system prompts
To bypass rate limits
MCP Tools Available
query_claude
Make direct API calls to Claude
Support for system prompts
Conversation tracking
clear_conversation
Reset conversation history
Manage multiple conversation threads
get_conversation_history
Retrieve conversation records
Debug conversation flow
Development
The main server implementation is in src/claude_api_server.py
. To extend functionality, you can add new tools using the @mcp.tool()
decorator.
Example of adding a new tool:
Troubleshooting
API Key Issues
Verify your API key in .env
Check Claude Desktop config paths
Ensure API key has correct permissions
Connection Issues
Check if MCP server is running
Verify Python environment
Check Claude Desktop logs
Usage Issues
Ensure correct @claude-api syntax
Check conversation IDs
Verify system prompt format
Contributing
Fork the repository
Create a feature branch
Make your changes
Submit a pull request
License
MIT
Support
For issues and questions:
Open an issue in the repository
Check existing discussions
Review the troubleshooting guide
Tools
A server that enables Claude Desktop users to access the Claude API directly, allowing them to bypass Professional Plan limitations and use advanced features like custom system prompts and conversation management.
- Features
- When to Use
- Setup Instructions
- Usage Guide
- MCP Tools Available
- Development
- Troubleshooting
- Contributing
- License
- Support
Related Resources
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