---
title: Claude Desktop Integration
description: "Step-by-step guide to configure GitLab MCP Server with Claude Desktop. Install via MCPB bundle or manual setup with stdio transport for GitLab project management and CI/CD workflows."
head:
- - meta
- name: keywords
content: claude desktop, gitlab mcp, stdio transport, mcp client configuration, docker setup
---
# Claude Desktop Integration
Configure GitLab MCP for [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download).
## Recommended: MCPB Extension
The easiest way to install — download and open the `.mcpb` bundle:
<a href="/downloads/gitlab-mcp-__VERSION__.mcpb" download>
<img src="https://img.shields.io/badge/Claude_Desktop-Install_Extension-F97316?style=for-the-badge&logoColor=white" alt="Install in Claude Desktop">
</a>
See [MCPB installation guide](/guide/installation/claude-desktop) for details.
## Auto-Setup
```bash
npx @structured-world/gitlab-mcp install --claude-desktop
```
## Detection
| Method | Details |
|--------|---------|
| Type | macOS app bundle |
| Bundle ID | `com.anthropic.claudefordesktop` |
| Auto-detected | Yes (when app is installed) |
## Config File Location
| OS | Path |
|----|------|
| macOS | `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` |
| Windows | `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json` |
| Linux | `~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.json` |
## Configuration
Add to your `claude_desktop_config.json`:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"gitlab": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@structured-world/gitlab-mcp"],
"env": {
"GITLAB_TOKEN": "glpat-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx",
"GITLAB_API_URL": "https://gitlab.com"
}
}
}
}
```
## Docker (stdio)
To run via Docker instead of npx:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"gitlab": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "-i", "--rm",
"-e", "GITLAB_TOKEN",
"-e", "GITLAB_API_URL",
"ghcr.io/structured-world/gitlab-mcp:latest"
],
"env": {
"GITLAB_TOKEN": "glpat-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx",
"GITLAB_API_URL": "https://gitlab.com"
}
}
}
}
```
## Remote Server
Connect to a running GitLab MCP HTTP server:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"gitlab": {
"type": "streamable-http",
"url": "http://localhost:3333/mcp"
}
}
}
```
## Verification
1. Open Claude Desktop
2. Check the MCP indicator (hammer icon) in the bottom-left
3. Click it to see connected servers
4. "gitlab" should appear with available tools listed
## Troubleshooting
- **Server not appearing**: Restart Claude Desktop after config changes
- **"Command not found"**: Ensure Node.js >= 24 is installed and `npx` is in PATH
- **Connection errors**: Check token scopes (`api`, `read_user`)
- **Config file not found**: Create the file and parent directories if they don't exist
## See Also
- [Quick Start](/guide/quick-start)
- [Configuration reference](/guide/configuration)
- [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/clients)
