canva-mcp-server
canva-mcp-server
教育用 MCP(Model Context Protocol)服务器,将 AI 智能体连接到 Canva Connect API。作为关于 AI 创意媒体的课堂材料——实际展示了一个 MCP server 是如何构建的。
它做什么
它暴露了 3 个工具(tools),AI 智能体(Claude 等)可以调用:
工具 | 功能 |
| 按标题搜索 Canva 账户中已有的设计 |
| 创建新的空白设计(海报、演示文稿、Instagram 帖子等) |
| 将设计导出为 PNG、JPG、PDF、PPTX、GIF 或 MP4 |
Related MCP server: mcp-toolbox
项目结构
canva-mcp-server/
├── package.json
├── tsconfig.json
├── src/
│ ├── index.ts # ponto de entrada, registra as ferramentas
│ ├── constants.ts
│ ├── services/canva.ts # cliente HTTP + tratamento de erros da API
│ └── tools/ # uma ferramenta por arquivo
│ ├── searchDesigns.ts
│ ├── createDesign.ts
│ └── exportDesign.ts1. 安装依赖
cd canva-mcp-server
npm install2. 获取 Canva 的 Access Token
Canva Connect API 使用 OAuth 2.0(Authorization Code + PKCE)。步骤如下:
访问 Canva Developer Portal 并创建一个应用(类型为“Connect API integration”)。
记下 Client ID 和 Client Secret。
配置一个 Redirect URI(用于本地测试,例如
http://127.0.0.1:3333/callback)。定义所需的 scopes,至少包括:
design:content:read、design:content:write、design:meta:read、asset:read。按照 Canva 的 OAuth 流程操作(在浏览器中授权 → 用
code换取access_token)——官方指南见 https://www.canva.dev/docs/connect/authentication/。对于课堂演示,最简单的方法是使用内置 OAuth2 流程的 Postman/Insomnia,或使用 Canva Developer Portal 自带的示例脚本。保存获取到的
access_token(它会过期——若要持续复用,需要实现 refresh token;这留给班级作为进阶练习)。
3. 配置环境变量
export CANVA_ACCESS_TOKEN="seu_access_token_aqui"(仓库中有一个 .env.example,包含相同的模板,如果你更喜欢使用 .env 文件的话)
4. 构建与运行
npm run build
npm start用于自动重载的开发模式:
npm run dev5. 连接到 Claude Code / Claude Desktop
将其添加到你的 mcp 配置中(例如项目的 .claude/settings.json,或 claude_desktop_config.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"canva": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/caminho/absoluto/para/canva-mcp-server/dist/index.js"],
"env": {
"CANVA_ACCESS_TOKEN": "seu_access_token_aqui"
}
}
}
}6. 使用 MCP Inspector 进行测试
npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector node dist/index.js这会打开一个 Web 界面,用于手动调用工具并查看结果——非常适合在课堂上演示,然后再连接到真正的智能体。
课堂练习建议
添加一个
canva_list_brand_templates工具(使用品牌模板)。实现 access token 的自动刷新。
像 MCP 最佳实践指南中那样,增加对
response_format(markdown 与 JSON)的支持。将传输方式从 stdio 改为 Streamable HTTP,并作为远程服务运行。
许可证
Available Tools
3 toolscanva_create_designCriar Design no CanvaA
Cria um novo design em branco no Canva a partir de um preset de tipo/tamanho.
Esta é uma ferramenta de escrita: cria um recurso novo e persistente na conta do Canva do usuário.
Args:
title (string): título do design
design_type (enum): um dos presets suportados (presentation, doc, poster, instagram_post, instagram_story, facebook_post, logo, flyer)
Retorna o id do design criado e o link de edição no Canva.
Exemplos:
"Crie uma apresentação chamada 'Aula 1 - Introdução'" -> title="Aula 1 - Introdução", design_type="presentation"
Não use para gerar conteúdo com IA a partir de um prompt de texto — esta ferramenta cria apenas um design em branco
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| title | Yes | Título do novo design (ex: 'Poster - Aula Mídias Criativas com IA') | |
| design_type | Yes | Tipo de preset de design a criar: presentation, doc, poster, instagram_post, instagram_story, facebook_post, logo, flyer |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate a non-read-only, non-idempotent, non-destructive operation. The description adds behavioral context: clarifies it is a 'ferramenta de escrita' that creates a persistent resource and returns the design id and edit link. This aligns with annotations and enriches the agent's understanding beyond the structured hints.
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 well-structured with a purpose statement, write-tool note, args, return value, and examples. It is slightly redundant with the schema in the Args section, but every section adds context. Front-loads the core purpose and negative usage, making it efficient.
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?
For a tool with only 2 params, no output schema, and moderate annotations, the description covers the essential aspects: what it creates, parameter semantics, return value, and a key exclusion. It is complete enough for an agent to decide when and how to invoke it.
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 coverage is 100% and includes descriptions for both params. The description adds value by providing a natural-language example mapping ('Crie uma apresentação chamada...' -> title/design_type) and summarizing the enum values. This helps the agent understand how to translate user requests into parameters.
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 states a specific verb and resource: 'Cria um novo design em branco no Canva a partir de um preset de tipo/tamanho.' This clearly differentiates from sibling tools (search, export) since creating a blank design is a distinct action. It also specifies the scope and output.
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 clear context and a when-not: 'Não use para gerar conteúdo com IA a partir de um prompt de texto — esta ferramenta cria apenas um design em branco.' It does not explicitly mention alternatives like search or export, but the primary use case and exclusion are stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
canva_export_designExportar Design do CanvaA
Exporta um design do Canva para um arquivo (PNG, JPG, PDF, PPTX, GIF ou MP4).
Cria um job de exportação assíncrono e aguarda (com polling, até ~30s) a conclusão antes de retornar.
Args:
design_id (string): id do design a exportar
format (enum): png | jpg | pdf | pptx | gif | mp4 (padrão: png)
Retorna a(s) URL(s) de download do arquivo exportado.
Exemplos:
"Exporte o design X como PDF" -> design_id="X", format="pdf"
Erros:
Se o job falhar ou exceder o tempo de espera, retorna uma mensagem explicando o que houve.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| format | No | Formato de exportação | png |
| design_id | Yes | ID do design a exportar (retornado por canva_search_designs ou canva_create_design) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds behavioral context beyond annotations: it mentions the asynchronous job, ~30s polling limit, and potential error handling. It does not contradict annotations and provides useful operational details.
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 well-structured with sections for args, examples, and errors, and is front-loaded with purpose. It is slightly verbose but each part serves a clear function, keeping it efficient.
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?
Since there is no output schema, the description correctly specifies the return type (download URLs) and covers error scenarios. It is complete for a simple two-parameter tool, covering all necessary aspects.
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 covers 100% of parameters, but the description adds value by noting that design_id comes from canva_search_designs or canva_create_design, and giving an example. This aids selection beyond the schema's basic descriptions.
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 it exports a Canva design to a file, listing supported formats. It distinguishes from sibling tools (search, create) by focusing on exporting, with a specific verb and resource.
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?
It explains the export process (async job, polling, timeout) and provides a clear example, though it does not explicitly contrast with sibling tools or give when-not-to-use scenarios. The context is sufficient to infer appropriate usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
canva_search_designsBuscar Designs no CanvaARead-onlyIdempotent
Busca designs existentes na conta conectada do Canva por título.
Não cria nem modifica nada — apenas lista designs já existentes.
Args:
query (string): termo de busca, comparado com o título dos designs
limit (number): máximo de resultados (padrão 20, máx 100)
Retorna uma lista de designs com id, título e links de edição/visualização.
Exemplos:
"Encontre os designs sobre 'workshop de IA'" -> query="workshop de IA"
Não use para criar um design novo (use canva_create_design)
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Número máximo de resultados a retornar | |
| query | Yes | Termo para buscar nos títulos dos designs (ex: 'poster aula IA') |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds useful context by explicitly saying it does not create or modify anything, specifying the search is by title, and disclosing the return shape (id, title, edit/view links). No contradiction with annotations.
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 well-structured with a clear opening, non-modification note, Args section, return-value note, and examples. It is front-loaded and every sentence contributes useful information without redundancy.
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?
For a simple read-only search tool with two well-documented parameters and no output schema, the description is complete: it covers purpose, constraints, return format, examples, and an alternative tool. The robust annotations also reduce the need for additional behavioral detail.
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 coverage is 100% with parameter descriptions already explaining query and limit, so the description mostly restates this information. The example mapping and the explicit title-matching phrase add minor value but do not significantly go beyond the schema.
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 uses a specific verb and resource: 'Busca designs existentes na conta conectada do Canva por título' and clarifies it only lists existing designs. It also explicitly contrasts with canva_create_design, distinguishing it from the closest sibling.
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 states when to use (search existing designs by title) and gives an explicit exclusion with alternative: 'Não use para criar um design novo (use canva_create_design)'. It also notes the tool does not modify anything, preventing misuse.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
3 tool updates
v1.0.0- First observed
canva_create_design - First observed
canva_export_design - First observed
canva_search_designs
TDQS
Scored across 3 tools
Each tool targets a distinct operation: search lists existing designs, create makes a new blank design, and export handles file conversion. There is no overlap in purpose, and the descriptions explicitly differentiate them with usage examples.
All tools follow a consistent 'canva_verb_noun' pattern: canva_search_designs, canva_create_design, canva_export_design. The snake_case convention is uniform, making it easy to predict tool names.
With only 3 tools, the server is intentionally minimal, focusing on the core lifecycle of search, create, and export. While slightly sparse, the count is reasonable for a focused integration and does not feel excessive.
The surface covers searching, creating, and exporting designs, but lacks update, delete, or get-single-design operations. This creates minor gaps for agents that need to modify or remove designs, but the core workflow is functional.
Maintenance
Related MCP Connectors
The Canva MCP server connects AI assistants (like Claude, ChatGPT, and Cursor) to Canva's API, enabling them to create and manage designs directly within chat conversations. Key capabilities include generating new designs from prompts, autofilling templates, searching and resizing existing designs, importing files from URLs, exporting designs as PDFs or images, and managing folders and comments without switching between tools.
Connect AI agents to Flato's editable canvas runtime through a hosted MCP server.
An MCP server that gives your AI access to the source code and docs of all public github repos
Official MCP server for Agentwork — delegate tasks to AI agents with human-in-the-loop
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