WorkFlowy MCP Server
The WorkFlowy MCP Server integrates WorkFlowy's outline and task management with LLM applications through CRUD operations on nodes.
Capabilities:
Create nodes: Add new items with customizable name, notes, layout mode (bullets, todo, h1-h3), position (top/bottom), initial completion status, and parent hierarchy
Update nodes: Modify existing node properties including name, notes, layout mode, and completion status
Retrieve nodes: Fetch specific nodes by ID with all metadata (timestamps, completion status, layout)
List nodes: Navigate the hierarchy by listing root-level nodes or children of any parent node
Delete nodes: Remove nodes and all their children from the outline
Manage completion: Mark nodes as completed or uncompleted for task tracking workflows
Error handling: Receive consistent error responses with type, message, and context
Performance configuration: Optional rate limiting, retry logic, and timeout settings via environment variables
Important Limitations:
No search functionality: Cannot search by name or content; must navigate hierarchically from root
Hierarchical navigation only: Must traverse the tree level-by-level to reach deeply nested nodes
API ID incompatibility: Web interface node IDs are NOT compatible with API IDs
Limited discovery: Requires multiple list operations starting from root to find specific nodes
Provides comprehensive WorkFlowy integration with 8 MCP tools for complete outline and task management, including creating, updating, deleting, and searching nodes, as well as managing task completion status and priorities.
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@WorkFlowy MCP Servercreate a new node called 'Weekly Review' under my root tasks"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
WorkFlowy MCP Server
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that integrates WorkFlowy's outline and task management capabilities with LLM applications.
MCP Tools Available
Tool | Description |
| Create new nodes with name, notes, and layout mode |
| Update existing node properties |
| Retrieve a specific node by ID |
| List child nodes of a specific parent |
| Delete a node and its children |
| Mark a node as completed |
| Mark a node as uncompleted |
Related MCP server: Dynalist MCP Server
⚠️ Important Limitations
The WorkFlowy API has significant discovery limitations:
✅ CAN list root-level nodes (call
list_nodeswithout parent_id)✅ CAN navigate down the tree by listing children of discovered nodes
❌ CANNOT search for nodes by name or content
❌ CANNOT jump directly to deeply nested nodes
❌ CANNOT use node IDs from WorkFlowy web URLs (they use different IDs)
Practical Impact:
You must navigate hierarchically from root to find existing nodes
No text search means manually traversing the tree to find specific content
Deep nodes require multiple list operations to reach
The web interface IDs (
workflowy.com/#/abc123) are NOT compatible with API IDs
Quick Start
Prerequisites
Python 3.10 or higher
WorkFlowy account with API access
Claude Desktop or other (local, since it's a python package) MCP-compatible client
Installation
Option 1: Install from PyPI (Recommended)
# Install the package
pip install workflowy-mcpOption 2: Quick Setup Script
# Download and run the setup script
curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yourusername/workflowy-mcp/main/install.sh | bash
# Or on Windows:
# irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yourusername/workflowy-mcp/main/install.ps1 | iexOption 3: Manual Installation from Source
# Clone the repository (if you want to contribute or modify)
git clone https://github.com/vladzima/workflowy-mcp.git
cd workflowy-mcp
pip install -e .Configuration
Get your WorkFlowy API key:
From WorkFlowy
Configure client: Edit your client configuration (Claude Desktop example):
Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.jsonWindows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
Add to the
mcpServerssection:{ "mcpServers": { "workflowy": { "command": "python3", "args": ["-m", "workflowy_mcp"], "env": { "WORKFLOWY_API_KEY": "your_actual_api_key_here", // Optional settings (uncomment to override defaults): // "WORKFLOWY_API_URL": "https://workflowy.com/api/v1", // "WORKFLOWY_REQUEST_TIMEOUT": "30", // "WORKFLOWY_MAX_RETRIES": "3", // "WORKFLOWY_RATE_LIMIT_REQUESTS": "60", // "WORKFLOWY_RATE_LIMIT_WINDOW": "60" } } } }Restart your client to load the MCP server
Usage
Once configured, you can use WorkFlowy tools with your agent:
Working with New Nodes
"Create a new WorkFlowy node called 'Project Tasks'"
# Returns: Created node with ID: abc-123-def
"Create a todo item 'Review PR' under parent node abc-123-def"
"Mark the node abc-123-def as completed"
"List all children of node abc-123-def"Navigating Existing Nodes
Since there's no search, you must navigate from root:
"List my root-level WorkFlowy nodes"
# Returns: List of top-level nodes with their IDs
"List children of node abc-123-def"
# Navigate deeper into your outline
"Get details for node abc-123-def"
"Update node abc-123-def with new notes"Note: The node IDs from the web interface URLs are NOT compatible with the API.
Development
Setup Development Environment
# Create virtual environment
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
# Install in development mode
pip install -e ".[dev]"
# Run tests
pytest
# Run with coverage
pytest --cov=workflowy_mcp
# Run linting
ruff check src/
mypy src/
black src/ --checkProject Structure
workflowy-mcp/
├── src/
│ └── workflowy_mcp/
│ ├── __init__.py
│ ├── __main__.py # Entry point
│ ├── server.py # FastMCP server & tools
│ ├── config.py # Configuration
│ ├── transport.py # STDIO transport
│ ├── client/
│ │ ├── api_client.py # WorkFlowy API client
│ │ ├── rate_limit.py # Rate limiting
│ │ └── retry.py # Retry logic
│ ├── models/
│ │ ├── node.py # Node models
│ │ ├── requests.py # Request models
│ │ ├── config.py # Config models
│ │ └── errors.py # Error models
│ └── middleware/
│ ├── errors.py # Error handling
│ └── logging.py # Request logging
├── tests/
│ ├── contract/ # Contract tests
│ ├── integration/ # Integration tests
│ ├── unit/ # Unit tests
│ └── performance/ # Performance tests
├── pyproject.toml # Project configuration
├── README.md # This file
├── CONTRIBUTING.md # Contribution guide
├── install.sh # Unix/Mac installer
└── install.ps1 # Windows installerRunning Tests
# Run all tests
pytest
# Run specific test categories
pytest tests/unit/
pytest tests/contract/
pytest tests/integration/
pytest tests/performance/
# Run with coverage report
pytest --cov=workflowy_mcp --cov-report=html
# Run with verbose output
pytest -xvsAPI Reference
Node Structure
{
"id": "unique-node-id",
"name": "Node name", # Text content
"note": "Node notes/description", # Optional notes
"layoutMode": "bullets", # Display mode: bullets, todo, h1, h2, h3
"completedAt": null, # Completion timestamp (null if not completed)
"children": [], # Child nodes array
"createdAt": 1234567890, # Unix timestamp
"modifiedAt": 1234567890 # Unix timestamp
}Error Handling
All tools return a consistent error format:
{
"success": false,
"error": "error_type",
"message": "Human-readable error message",
"context": {...} // Additional error context
}Performance
Automatic rate limiting prevents API throttling
Token bucket algorithm for smooth request distribution
Adaptive rate limiting based on API responses
Connection pooling for efficient HTTP requests
Contributing
See CONTRIBUTING.md for development setup and contribution guidelines.
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.
Support
Acknowledgments
Built with FastMCP framework
Integrates with WorkFlowy API
Compatible with Claude Desktop and other MCP clients
Available Tools
7 toolsworkflowy_complete_nodeB
Mark a WorkFlowy node as completed
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| node_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ch | No | Child nodes |
| cp | No | Completion status (for tests) |
| id | Yes | Unique identifier for the node |
| data | No | Node data including layoutMode |
| name | No | Text content of the node |
| note | No | Note content attached to the node |
| parentId | No | Parent node ID |
| priority | No | Sort order |
| createdAt | No | Creation timestamp (Unix timestamp) |
| modifiedAt | No | Last modification timestamp |
| completedAt | No | Completion timestamp (null if not completed) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the action ('Mark as completed') which implies a mutation, but doesn't describe side effects (e.g., whether this affects parent/child nodes, triggers notifications, or changes visibility), permissions required, error conditions, or rate limits. This leaves significant gaps for a mutation tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence with zero wasted words. It's front-loaded with the core action and resource, making it immediately scannable and appropriate for its simplicity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (a mutation with one parameter) and the presence of an output schema (which handles return values), the description is minimally adequate. However, with no annotations and low schema coverage, it lacks crucial behavioral details like side effects or error handling, making it incomplete for safe operation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate, but it adds no parameter information beyond what's implied by the tool name. It doesn't explain what 'node_id' represents, its format, or how to obtain it. However, with only one parameter and an output schema present, the baseline is 3 as the schema provides structure, but the description fails to add meaningful semantic context.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Mark as completed') and resource ('a WorkFlowy node'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from its sibling 'workflowy_uncomplete_node' which would be the inverse operation, nor does it specify what 'completed' means in the WorkFlowy context (e.g., visual strikethrough, status change).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided about when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., the node must exist), when not to use it (e.g., on already completed nodes), or how it relates to siblings like 'workflowy_update_node' (which might also modify completion status). The agent must infer usage from the name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowy_create_nodeC
Create a new node in WorkFlowy
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | ||
| parent_id | No | ||
| note | No | ||
| layout_mode | No | ||
| position | No | top | |
| _completed | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ch | No | Child nodes |
| cp | No | Completion status (for tests) |
| id | Yes | Unique identifier for the node |
| data | No | Node data including layoutMode |
| name | No | Text content of the node |
| note | No | Note content attached to the node |
| parentId | No | Parent node ID |
| priority | No | Sort order |
| createdAt | No | Creation timestamp (Unix timestamp) |
| modifiedAt | No | Last modification timestamp |
| completedAt | No | Completion timestamp (null if not completed) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure but offers minimal information. It states 'Create' which implies a write/mutation operation, but doesn't address permissions, rate limits, error conditions, or what happens on success (e.g., returns the created node). For a creation tool with zero annotation coverage, this leaves significant behavioral gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence that gets straight to the point with zero wasted words. It's appropriately sized for a basic creation operation and front-loads the essential action and resource. Every word earns its place in conveying the core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (6 parameters, creation operation) and the presence of an output schema (which handles return values), the description is minimally complete. However, with no annotations and 0% schema description coverage, it leaves too much undefined about behavior and parameters. It meets the bare minimum but has clear gaps in guidance and transparency.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate but provides no parameter information. It doesn't explain what 'name', 'parent_id', 'note', 'layout_mode', 'position', or '_completed' mean or how they affect node creation. With 6 parameters (1 required) and no schema descriptions, this creates substantial ambiguity for proper tool invocation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Create') and resource ('new node in WorkFlowy'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes from siblings like 'update_node' or 'delete_node' by specifying creation rather than modification or removal. However, it doesn't explicitly contrast with 'workflowy_list_nodes' or 'workflowy_get_node' which are read operations.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., needing a parent_id for nested nodes), when to choose this over 'workflowy_update_node' for modifications, or how it relates to sibling tools like 'workflowy_complete_node' for task management. The agent must infer usage from the tool name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowy_delete_nodeA
Delete a WorkFlowy node and all its children
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| node_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
No output parameters | ||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool deletes a node and its children, implying a destructive mutation, but lacks details on permissions needed, irreversibility, error conditions, or rate limits, leaving significant gaps for a deletion operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence that front-loads the core action ('Delete') and resource, with zero wasted words. It's appropriately sized for a simple tool with one parameter.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's destructive nature and lack of annotations, the description is minimally adequate but incomplete. It specifies what the tool does but omits critical behavioral context (e.g., permanence, errors). The presence of an output schema helps, but more guidance is needed for safe use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description doesn't add specific details about the 'node_id' parameter beyond what the schema implies (a string identifier). However, with only one parameter and 0% schema description coverage, the description's clarity about the tool's purpose provides adequate context, compensating for the minimal parameter documentation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Delete') and resource ('a WorkFlowy node and all its children'), distinguishing it from siblings like workflowy_update_node or workflowy_get_node by focusing on permanent removal rather than modification or retrieval.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., node must exist), exclusions (e.g., cannot delete root nodes), or compare to siblings like workflowy_uncomplete_node for different deletion scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowy_get_nodeB
Retrieve a specific WorkFlowy node by ID
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| node_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ch | No | Child nodes |
| cp | No | Completion status (for tests) |
| id | Yes | Unique identifier for the node |
| data | No | Node data including layoutMode |
| name | No | Text content of the node |
| note | No | Note content attached to the node |
| parentId | No | Parent node ID |
| priority | No | Sort order |
| createdAt | No | Creation timestamp (Unix timestamp) |
| modifiedAt | No | Last modification timestamp |
| completedAt | No | Completion timestamp (null if not completed) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. While 'Retrieve' implies a read-only operation, it doesn't specify whether this requires authentication, rate limits, error conditions (e.g., invalid node IDs), or what happens if the node doesn't exist. The description lacks essential context for safe and effective use.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence with zero wasted words. It's front-loaded with the core action and resource, making it easy to parse quickly. Every word earns its place in conveying the essential purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (single parameter) and the presence of an output schema (which handles return values), the description is minimally adequate. However, with no annotations and incomplete parameter semantics, it leaves gaps in behavioral and usage context that could hinder effective tool selection.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description mentions the parameter ('by ID'), but with 0% schema description coverage, it doesn't add meaningful semantics beyond what the schema already indicates (a required string 'node_id'). It doesn't explain the ID format, source, or constraints, leaving significant gaps in parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Retrieve') and resource ('a specific WorkFlowy node by ID'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'workflowy_list_nodes' (which retrieves multiple nodes) or 'workflowy_update_node' (which modifies rather than fetches).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., needing a valid node ID), contrast it with 'workflowy_list_nodes' for bulk retrieval, or indicate scenarios where fetching a single node is preferred over listing all nodes.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowy_list_nodesB
List WorkFlowy nodes (omit parent_id for root)
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| parent_id | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
No output parameters | ||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses that listing can be done with or without a parent_id, but fails to describe key behavioral traits: whether it returns all nodes or is paginated, what the output format is (though output schema exists), or any rate limits or permissions required. This leaves significant gaps for a tool with no annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence that front-loads the core action ('List WorkFlowy nodes') and adds necessary clarification ('omit parent_id for root'). There is zero waste, and every word earns its place, making it highly concise and well-structured.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (1 parameter) and the presence of an output schema (which handles return values), the description is minimally adequate. However, with no annotations and incomplete parameter guidance, it lacks details on usage context, behavioral traits, and sibling differentiation. It meets basic needs but has clear gaps in completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 1 parameter with 0% description coverage, so the description must compensate. It adds meaning by explaining that omitting parent_id lists root nodes, which clarifies the parameter's role. However, it doesn't specify the format or constraints of parent_id (e.g., string type, valid IDs), leaving some ambiguity. Baseline is 3 as it partially compensates for low schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'List' and the resource 'WorkFlowy nodes', making the purpose unambiguous. It distinguishes from siblings by focusing on listing rather than creating, updating, deleting, or managing completion states. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from 'workflowy_get_node' which might retrieve a single node, leaving slight ambiguity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides minimal guidance: it mentions omitting parent_id for root nodes, which implies usage for listing root or child nodes. However, it lacks explicit when-to-use advice, such as when to choose this over 'workflowy_get_node' for single nodes or how it relates to other list-like operations. No alternatives or exclusions are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowy_uncomplete_nodeB
Mark a WorkFlowy node as not completed
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| node_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ch | No | Child nodes |
| cp | No | Completion status (for tests) |
| id | Yes | Unique identifier for the node |
| data | No | Node data including layoutMode |
| name | No | Text content of the node |
| note | No | Note content attached to the node |
| parentId | No | Parent node ID |
| priority | No | Sort order |
| createdAt | No | Creation timestamp (Unix timestamp) |
| modifiedAt | No | Last modification timestamp |
| completedAt | No | Completion timestamp (null if not completed) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states the action ('Mark as not completed') which implies a mutation, but doesn't disclose behavioral traits like whether this requires authentication, what happens if the node is already uncompleted, error conditions, or side effects. For a mutation tool with zero annotation coverage, this is a significant gap in transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, clear sentence with zero waste. It's appropriately sized and front-loaded, directly stating the tool's purpose without unnecessary elaboration. Every word earns its place in conveying the essential action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (a mutation operation with one parameter) and the presence of an output schema (which likely covers return values), the description is minimally adequate. However, with no annotations and incomplete parameter documentation, it leaves gaps in understanding behavioral aspects and parameter usage. It meets the minimum viable threshold but lacks depth for safe and effective use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds no parameter semantics beyond what the input schema provides. With 0% schema description coverage and 1 parameter (node_id), the description doesn't explain what node_id represents, its format, or how to obtain it. However, since there's only one parameter and the tool name implies its purpose, the baseline is 3, but it doesn't compensate for the lack of schema documentation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Mark as not completed') and the resource ('a WorkFlowy node'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes from sibling 'workflowy_complete_node' by specifying the opposite operation. However, it doesn't explicitly mention the tool name 'uncomplete' in the description, which would make it perfect.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., the node must exist and be currently completed), nor does it differentiate from similar tools like 'workflowy_update_node' which might also handle completion status. There's no explicit when/when-not usage context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowy_update_nodeC
Update an existing WorkFlowy node
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| node_id | Yes | ||
| name | No | ||
| note | No | ||
| layout_mode | No | ||
| _completed | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ch | No | Child nodes |
| cp | No | Completion status (for tests) |
| id | Yes | Unique identifier for the node |
| data | No | Node data including layoutMode |
| name | No | Text content of the node |
| note | No | Note content attached to the node |
| parentId | No | Parent node ID |
| priority | No | Sort order |
| createdAt | No | Creation timestamp (Unix timestamp) |
| modifiedAt | No | Last modification timestamp |
| completedAt | No | Completion timestamp (null if not completed) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. While 'Update' implies a mutation operation, the description doesn't specify whether this requires authentication, what happens when only some fields are provided (partial updates), whether changes are reversible, or what the response looks like. For a mutation tool with 5 parameters and no annotation coverage, this is a significant gap in behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise at just 5 words, with zero wasted language. It's front-loaded with the essential action and resource. While it's arguably too brief given the tool's complexity, it achieves maximum efficiency within its limited scope.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 5 parameters with 0% schema coverage, no annotations, and involves mutation operations, the description is severely incomplete. While an output schema exists (which helps with return values), the description doesn't address key contextual aspects like authentication requirements, error conditions, partial update behavior, or relationships with sibling tools. For a node update operation in a hierarchy system, this leaves too many unknowns.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema description coverage is 0%, meaning none of the 5 parameters have descriptions in the schema. The tool description mentions no parameters at all, failing to compensate for this complete lack of schema documentation. Users must guess what 'node_id', 'name', 'note', 'layout_mode', and '_completed' mean based solely on their names, which is insufficient for proper tool invocation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Update') and resource ('an existing WorkFlowy node'), making the purpose unambiguous. It distinguishes this from sibling tools like 'create_node' and 'delete_node' by specifying it's for existing nodes. However, it doesn't specify what aspects can be updated (name, note, layout_mode, completion status), which prevents a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention when to choose 'update_node' over 'complete_node' or 'uncomplete_node' for completion status changes, or how it relates to 'get_node' for retrieving node data before updating. There's no context about prerequisites or typical use cases.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
TDQS
Every tool has a clearly distinct purpose targeting specific CRUD operations on WorkFlowy nodes, with no ambiguity between them. The action verbs (complete, create, delete, get, list, uncomplete, update) are mutually exclusive and well-defined for the node management domain.
All tools follow a perfect verb_noun pattern with consistent 'workflowy_' prefix and snake_case throughout. The naming convention is completely predictable, making it easy for agents to understand and use the tool set.
Seven tools is an ideal number for this node management server, providing complete CRUD coverage plus completion status management. Each tool earns its place with no redundancy, and the count is well-scoped for the domain without being overwhelming.
The tool set provides complete lifecycle coverage for WorkFlowy nodes with create, read (get/list), update, delete, plus completion status management (complete/uncomplete). There are no obvious gaps in the surface for node operations, enabling full agent workflows.
Maintenance
Resources
Unclaimed servers have limited discoverability.
Looking for Admin?
If you are the server author, to access and configure the admin panel.
Related MCP Connectors
AI access to your aNotepad online notes: read, search, write, and organize via 22 tools.
Manage your ClickUp workspace by creating, updating, and organizing tasks, lists, folders, and tag…
ADHD-friendly tasks, notes & projects for LucidNest - 18 tools, scoped tokens, Streamable HTTP.
Manage tasks, Focus Zone, notes, projects, and task history from compatible AI assistants.
Related MCP Servers
- AlicenseCqualityDmaintenanceIntegrates WorkFlowy's outline and task management capabilities with LLM applications, enabling hierarchical node creation, updates, completion tracking, and navigation through WorkFlowy's API.351MIT
- FlicenseAqualityDmaintenanceEnables Claude and other AI assistants to read, write, and manipulate Dynalist.io documents programmatically, including operations like searching, editing nodes, bulk importing from markdown, and managing document structure.121
- FlicenseAqualityDmaintenanceProvides LLM access to Workflowy's API, enabling agents to create, read, update, delete, and reorganize nodes in a Workflowy outline.12
- AlicenseNot gradedqualityCmaintenanceEnables LLMs to interact with Workflowy through the Model Context Protocol, supporting operations like creating, updating, deleting, and listing nodes.MIT
Latest Blog Posts
- Who's Calling? MCP Hosts Are an Identity Blind Spot (And the Spec Knows It)By Om-Shree-0709 on .mcpAgent IdentityOAuth 2.1
- Your AI Chatbot Just Exposed Your CEO's Salary to an InternBy Om-Shree-0709 on .Agent IdentityMCP SecurityOAuth Delegation
- Why MCP Servers Need Execution Sandboxing (And Why Your Current Stack Isn't Enough)By Om-Shree-0709 on .Agentic AiPrompt InjectionWebAssembly
MCP directory API
We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.
curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/vladzima/workflowy-mcp'
If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server