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InDesign MCP Server

InDesign MCP Server

by Tlechanteur
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
JavaScript
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data_merge

Merge data from a CSV file into InDesign documents to generate personalized outputs like PDF or INDD files.

Instructions

Perform data merge operation

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "dataSourcePath": "<dataSourcePath>",
      "outputFolder": "<outputFolder>"
    },
    "name": "data_merge"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fileFormatNoPDF
recordRangeNoRecord range (e.g., "1-10", "all")all
outputFolderYesOutput folder for merged documents
dataSourcePathYesPath to CSV data source

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv1.1.0

TDQS

D1.5/5.0
Behavior1/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It fails to mention side effects (e.g., whether it modifies a document, creates new files), permissions, or the nature of the output. The agent cannot anticipate any consequences of invoking this tool.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness2/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely short (one sentence), which is concise, but it is under-specified. It contains no meaningful content beyond the tool name, so the brevity is not a sign of efficiency but of missing information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness1/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

This is a data merge tool with 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations. The description does not explain the overall operation, the role of dataSourcePath and outputFolder, or whether recordRange and fileFormat affect behavior. It is inadequate for an agent to use correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters2/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 75%, but the description adds no parameter-level information. For fileFormat, which lacks a description in the schema, the description does not clarify possible values or defaults. The tool description merely repeats the operation name and offers no insight into how parameters interact.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose2/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description 'Perform data merge operation' is essentially a tautology of the tool name 'data_merge' — it restates the operation without specifying what data merge entails or how it differs from sibling tools like populate_table or export_pdf. No specific verb beyond 'perform' or resource beyond 'data merge' is provided, so the agent cannot infer the actual functionality.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines1/5

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. There are no mentions of prerequisites, typical scenarios, or exclusions. An agent seeking to decide between data_merge and other tools like populate_table or create_document gets no help.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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