File Opener MCP Server
Provides tools for opening files and directories with system default or specified applications, and revealing items in Finder on macOS.
Click on "Deploy 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., "@File Opener MCP Server open my presentation slides in Keynote"
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.
File Opener MCP Server
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides file opening capabilities for Claude AI.
Features
open_file: Open any file or directory with the system's default application
reveal_in_finder: Reveal a file or directory in macOS Finder
Optional application specification (e.g., open with Preview, TextEdit, etc.)
Cross-platform support (primarily macOS focused)
Full error handling and validation
Related MCP server: Apple MCP Server
Installation
Quick Install
npm install -g file-opener-mcpFrom Source
Clone the repository:
git clone https://github.com/TIMBOTGPT/file-opener-mcp.git cd file-opener-mcpInstall dependencies:
npm installTest the server:
npm start
Usage with Claude Desktop
Add this server to your Claude Desktop MCP configuration (claude_desktop_config.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"file-opener": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "file-opener-mcp"],
"description": "Open files with system applications"
}
}
}Or if installed locally:
{
"mcpServers": {
"file-opener": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/file-opener-mcp/index.js"],
"description": "Open files with system applications"
}
}
}Available Tools
open_file
Opens a file or directory with the system's default application, or optionally with a specified application.
Parameters:
path(required): Full path to the file or directoryapplication(optional): Specific application to use (e.g., "Preview", "TextEdit")
Example:
{
"name": "open_file",
"arguments": {
"path": "/path/to/documents/report.pdf",
"application": "Preview"
}
}reveal_in_finder
Reveals a file or directory in macOS Finder.
Parameters:
path(required): Full path to the file or directory
Example:
{
"name": "reveal_in_finder",
"arguments": {
"path": "/path/to/documents/report.pdf"
}
}Requirements
macOS (uses
opencommand)Node.js 16+
Claude Desktop with MCP support
Security
File existence is validated before opening
Only executes safe system
opencommandsProper error handling and reporting
No network access required
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details
Contributing
Fork the repository
Create a feature branch
Make your changes
Add tests if applicable
Submit a pull request
Support
For issues and questions, please use the GitHub Issues page.
Available Tools
2 toolsopen_fileA
Open a file or directory using the system default application (macOS open command)
Inputs: path (required), application.
reveal_in_finderB
Reveal a file or directory in Finder
Inputs: path (required).
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
Loading tool schema changelog…
TDQS
Scored across 2 tools
The two tools have clearly distinct purposes: open_file opens files with the default application, while reveal_in_finder shows files in Finder without opening them. There is no overlap or ambiguity between these functions, making tool selection straightforward.
Both tools follow a consistent verb_noun pattern (open_file, reveal_in_finder) with clear, descriptive names. The naming style is uniform and predictable across the tool set.
With only two tools, the server feels thin for a 'File Opener' domain. While the tools cover basic macOS file operations, the scope suggests potential gaps (e.g., no tools for editing, copying, or managing files), making the set appear underdeveloped.
The tool set is severely incomplete for file operations. It lacks core functionalities like creating, deleting, moving, or editing files, and is limited to macOS-specific actions. This will cause agent failures for common file management tasks beyond opening or revealing.
Maintenance
Related MCP Connectors
Use your Mac, Windows or Linux computer from ChatGPT, Claude or Codex: files, commands, documents.
Your own computer's files from ChatGPT or Claude: folder rules, confirmations and undo.
Work on your own computers from Claude or ChatGPT: run commands, edit and search files.
Mac & Windows: let ChatGPT, Claude & Cursor use your email, calendar, iMessage, Teams, files.
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