# Connect a client


> The Claude Desktop extension, or a JSON configuration for Cursor and other MCP clients.
Two routes, and the first is considerably easier.

## Claude Desktop

Install it as a **Desktop Extension** from **Settings**, then **Extensions**, and paste your API token when prompted. No JSON to edit.

The token is stored in your operating system's keychain rather than a plaintext configuration file, which is the main reason to prefer this route.

> [!NOTE]
> Before the listing is live you can sideload the `.mcpb` bundle from the [latest release](https://github.com/Screenly/cli/releases/latest). macOS bundles are not Developer ID signed yet, so allow it under **System Settings**, **Privacy & Security**, **Open Anyway** if Gatekeeper blocks it.

## Cursor and other clients

Add this to your client's MCP configuration:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "screenly": {
      "command": "screenly",
      "args": ["mcp"],
      "env": {
        "API_TOKEN": "your-api-token-here"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Then restart the client.

## Authentication

The same two options as the [CLI](/docs/developers/cli/): the `API_TOKEN` environment variable, or `screenly login` storing credentials in `~/.screenly`.

The extension route uses the keychain instead of either.

## Getting a token

In your **workspace settings**, go to the **Security** tab, then **Tokens**. It is shown once. See [API tokens](/docs/developers/overview/api-tokens/).