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Claude Desktop Commander MCP

edit_block

Destructive

Apply targeted edits to text, Excel, and DOCX files using find/replace or range updates. Supports surgical changes with uniqueness checking to ensure correct modifications.

Instructions

                    Apply surgical edits to files.

                    BEST PRACTICE: Make multiple small, focused edits rather than one large edit.
                    Each edit_block call should change only what needs to be changed - include just enough
                    context to uniquely identify the text being modified.

                    FORMAT HANDLING (by extension):

                    EXCEL FILES (.xlsx, .xls, .xlsm) - Range Update mode:
                    Takes:
                    - file_path: Path to the Excel file
                    - range: ALWAYS use FROM:TO format - "SheetName!A1:C10" or "SheetName!C1:C1"
                    - content: 2D array, e.g., [["H1","H2"],["R1","R2"]]

                    TEXT FILES - Find/Replace mode:
                    Takes:
                    - file_path: Path to the file to edit
                    - old_string: Text to replace
                    - new_string: Replacement text
                    - expected_replacements: Optional number of replacements (default: 1)

                    DOCX FILES (.docx) - XML Find/Replace mode:
                    Takes same parameters as text files (old_string, new_string, expected_replacements).
                    Operates on the pretty-printed XML inside the DOCX — the same XML you see from
                    read_file with offset/length. Copy XML fragments from read output as old_string.
                    After editing, the XML is repacked into a valid DOCX.
                    Also searches headers/footers if not found in document body.
                    Examples:
                    - Replace text: old_string="<w:t>Old Text</w:t>" new_string="<w:t>New Text</w:t>"
                    - Change style: old_string='<w:pStyle w:val="Normal"/>' new_string='<w:pStyle w:val="Heading1"/>'
                    - Add content: include surrounding XML context in old_string, add new elements in new_string

                    By default, replaces only ONE occurrence of the search text.
                    To replace multiple occurrences, provide expected_replacements with
                    the exact number of matches expected.

                    UNIQUENESS REQUIREMENT: When expected_replacements=1 (default), include the minimal
                    amount of context necessary (typically 1-3 lines) before and after the change point,
                    with exact whitespace and indentation.

                    When editing multiple sections, make separate edit_block calls for each distinct change
                    rather than one large replacement.

                    When a close but non-exact match is found, a character-level diff is shown in the format:
                    common_prefix{-removed-}{+added+}common_suffix to help you identify what's different.

                    Similar to write_file, there is a configurable line limit (fileWriteLineLimit) that warns
                    if the edited file exceeds this limit. If this happens, consider breaking your edits into
                    smaller, more focused changes.

                    IMPORTANT: Always use absolute paths for reliability. Paths are automatically normalized regardless of slash direction. Relative paths may fail as they depend on the current working directory. Tilde paths (~/...) might not work in all contexts. Unless the user explicitly asks for relative paths, use absolute paths.
                    This command can be referenced as "DC: ..." or "use Desktop Commander to ..." in your instructions.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
rangeNo
originNo
contentNo
optionsNo
file_pathYes
new_stringNo
old_stringNo
expected_replacementsNo
Behavior5/5

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

Annotations already indicate destructive behavior; description adds rich behavioral details per file type, diff display on close matches, path normalization, and default replacement count. No contradictions.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Description is comprehensive but long; structured with headings and examples. Could be more concise by reducing redundancy in uniqueness and expected_replacements explanations. Front-loaded with main purpose.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the tool's complexity (8 params, multiple modes, no output schema), the description covers modes, edge cases, line limits, path advice, and examples. No output schema needed for this context.

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

Parameters4/5

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

With 0% schema coverage, description explains most parameters (file_path, range, content, old_string, new_string, expected_replacements) with format constraints. However, 'options' and 'origin' parameters are not addressed in the description.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description clearly states the tool edits files surgically and distinguishes between file types (Excel range update, text find/replace, DOCX XML mode). It contrasts with siblings like write_file and read_file by emphasizing focused edits.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides extensive when-to-use guidance including best practices, format-specific instructions, uniqueness requirement, and line limit warnings. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool versus alternatives like write_file.

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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