Enables advanced configuration through .env files to customize bridge behavior
Used for downloading the bridge software through repository cloning
Allows cloning the repository from GitHub as part of the installation process
Support for running the bridge on Linux operating systems
Support for running the bridge on macOS operating systems
Leverages Python for connecting to local LM Studio models, supporting text generation and chat completions
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., "@Claude-LMStudio BridgeGenerate a creative story about a robot learning to paint using my local LLM"
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.
Claude-LMStudio Bridge
An MCP server that bridges Claude with local LLMs running in LM Studio.
Overview
This tool allows Claude to interact with your local LLMs running in LM Studio, providing:
Access to list all available models in LM Studio
The ability to generate text using your local LLMs
Support for chat completions through your local models
A health check tool to verify connectivity with LM Studio
Related MCP server: MCP Server Memory File
Prerequisites
Claude Desktop with MCP support
LM Studio installed and running locally with API server enabled
Python 3.8+ installed
Quick Start (Recommended)
For macOS/Linux:
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/infinitimeless/claude-lmstudio-bridge.git
cd claude-lmstudio-bridgeRun the setup script
chmod +x setup.sh
./setup.shFollow the setup script's instructions to configure Claude Desktop
For Windows:
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/infinitimeless/claude-lmstudio-bridge.git
cd claude-lmstudio-bridgeRun the setup script
setup.batFollow the setup script's instructions to configure Claude Desktop
Manual Setup
If you prefer to set things up manually:
Create a virtual environment (optional but recommended)
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activateInstall the required packages
pip install -r requirements.txtConfigure Claude Desktop:
Open Claude Desktop preferences
Navigate to the 'MCP Servers' section
Add a new MCP server with the following configuration:
Name: lmstudio-bridge
Command: /bin/bash (on macOS/Linux) or cmd.exe (on Windows)
Arguments:
macOS/Linux: /path/to/claude-lmstudio-bridge/run_server.sh
Windows: /c C:\path\to\claude-lmstudio-bridge\run_server.bat
Usage with Claude
After setting up the bridge, you can use the following commands in Claude:
Check the connection to LM Studio:
Can you check if my LM Studio server is running?List available models:
List the available models in my local LM StudioGenerate text with a local model:
Generate a short poem about spring using my local LLMSend a chat completion:
Ask my local LLM: "What are the main features of transformers in machine learning?"Troubleshooting
Diagnosing LM Studio Connection Issues
Use the included debugging tool to check your LM Studio connection:
python debug_lmstudio.pyFor more detailed tests:
python debug_lmstudio.py --test-chat --verboseCommon Issues
"Cannot connect to LM Studio API"
Make sure LM Studio is running
Verify the API server is enabled in LM Studio (Settings > API Server)
Check that the port (default: 1234) matches what's in your .env file
"No models are loaded"
Open LM Studio and load a model
Verify the model is running successfully
"MCP package not found"
Try reinstalling:
pip install "mcp[cli]" httpx python-dotenvMake sure you're using Python 3.8 or later
"Claude can't find the bridge"
Check Claude Desktop configuration
Make sure the path to run_server.sh or run_server.bat is correct and absolute
Verify the server script is executable:
chmod +x run_server.sh(on macOS/Linux)
Advanced Configuration
You can customize the bridge behavior by creating a .env file with these settings:
LMSTUDIO_HOST=127.0.0.1
LMSTUDIO_PORT=1234
DEBUG=falseSet DEBUG=true to enable verbose logging for troubleshooting.
License
MIT