Connect Claude to MCP Servers for Better AI Capabilities
Claude has powerful AI capabilities that can boost productivity and simplify your work. However, unlocking Claude’s full potential depends on how well you can connect it to your existing apps and data sources. That’s where MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration comes in, enabling seamless connectivity between Claude’s AI capabilities and the rest of your workflow.
MCP is an open standard introduced by Anthropic in November 2024 that provides a secure communication layer allowing Claude to both access and interact with your digital tools. Instead of manually jumping between disconnected apps, MCP gives Claude the ability to instantly retrieve the right data—and just as importantly, use the appropriate tools to act on it.
This guide will explain how MCP works and how it can improve interactions between Claude and your apps. We’ll walk you through the steps to connect Claude to an MCP server, along with innovative ways to manage these integrations.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how MCP can help you simplify daily tasks.
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In this article:
Step-by-step: How to connect Claude to the MESA MCP server (no code example)
Time needed: 10 minutes
MESA MCP simplifies the process with a zero-code approach that connects Claude directly to all your tools on MESA with a single MCP server. This quick setup makes Claude more context-aware of your everyday apps while keeping your credentials safe and secure.
- Start with the MESA MCP trigger
To begin with, create a new workflow in your MESA account and select MCP as the first trigger. This trigger is the glue between Claude and the apps you want to use.
- Choose relevant app actions
Then, select the app, then actions, Claude will use. Like checking inventory on your Shopify store, sending an email, or updating an Airtable row. Each action corresponds to a action Claude can invoke. Choose actions that match the tools you work with so Claude has the right skills available.
- Optionally, configure MCP trigger parameters
Trigger parameters are the fields that power your workflow. These values act as variables inside Claude—captured at the start of the workflow and passed through to subsequent steps.
Each parameter includes a name (e.g., “Order number”) and a description (e.g., “A unique numeric identifier for a Shopify order”), helping users understand what’s required.
Consequently, by defining clear parameters up front, you make your workflow flexible, reusable, and ready to handle dynamic input every time it runs.
Click “More fields” to open the side sheet and choose “Parameters” to add this to the trigger.
- Turn on your workflow
Once you’ve defined your skills and optional parameters, turn your workflow “On”. This will enable Claude to access your MCP server skills.
- Copy your MCP server URL
Copy the unique MCP Server URL from the trigger—keep it confidential like a password—as Claude will need this information to connect to your MCP endpoint.
Click the “More fields” button from the trigger setup then, click the option to add MCP Server URL to the trigger.
- Navigate to Claude Settings > Connectors
In Claude, go to Settings > Connector.
- Add a custom Connector
Click the “Add custom connector” button. In the modal, paste your MESA MCP Server URL. The click, “Add”.
- Manage your connector actions
Click the “Configure” button to reveal all the MCP actions Claude now has access to via your MESA account.
- Chat with Claude
Start interacting with Claude about the actions it can now connect with. Imagine the possibilities!
Ready to use MCP workflow templates
With MESA, add pre-built MCP workflows to get started quickly. Or, create your own MCP actions.
MESA Template ID
mcp-email-send
MESA Template ID
get-wordpress-blog-posts
MESA Template ID
mcp-shopify-retrieve-orders
Why MESA MCP is the smarter way to extend Claude
If you’re looking to give your AI assistant real capabilities—without writing code, or scouring infrastructure setup from READ.me docs—MESA MCP is built for you.
With one secure connection, you unlock access to thousands of actions across your favorite tools. No setup sprawl. No code. Just one snippet to plug Claude into a smarter, more capable stack.
MESA makes it easy to:
- Chain skills in a single prompt
- Control access to tools, data, and accounts
- Add approvals for sensitive actions
- Monitor and debug AI behavior
- Scale your automations as fast as your ideas evolve
Whether you’re testing an idea or powering production workflows, MESA gives you the flexibility, visibility, and confidence to bring your assistant to life—fast.
Other 3rd-Party MCP servers
The Model Context Protocol is one example of a GitHub repository that maintains a growing list of prebuilt MCP servers for popular tools—Airtable, Notion, GitHub, and more.
To connect:
- Visit the GitHub page and find the MCP server (or another service you need).
- Follow the setup instructions in the server’s README (this often involves generating an API key or setting environment variables).
- Add the server URL to your Claude custom connectors—just like you did with MESA.
Once connected, Claude can use tools exposed by that service.
Instead, for a simpler, more centralized way to manage multiple MCP servers, MESA MCP offers a universal approach to installing, configuring, and controlling them all in one place.
Related:
Frequently asked questions
Troubleshooting Claude’s configuration for each machine can be challenging since it depends on your machine. Check out our technical docs for additional details on resolving standard setup requirements.
Yes, MCP (Model Context Protocol) can connect Claude (or any AI agent that supports the MCP standard) to external systems and APIs by acting as a structured, secure interface between the AI and real-world tools, such as Shopify, Airtable, or Notion.
MCP now works on both! Initially launched for Claude Desktop in November 2024, Anthropic expanded support in May 2025 with “Integrations,” allowing Claude on the web (claude.ai) to connect to remote MCP servers. Desktop users can connect to local servers, while web users on Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans can connect to remote hosted servers through the Integrations feature.
For Claude Desktop: You need the Claude Desktop app, Node.js installed on your machine, and appropriate MCP server configurations in your claude_desktop_config.json file. For Claude Web: You need a paid plan (Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise) and access to the Integrations settings. Free Claude.ai accounts cannot connect to MCP servers.
Local MCP servers run on your own machine and are accessed through Claude Desktop. They’re ideal for accessing local files, databases, and tools requiring direct system access. Remote MCP servers are hosted in the cloud and accessible via Claude on the web through Integrations. Remote servers are better for team collaboration, managed services, and tools that don’t require local system access.
Yes! MCP is an open standard designed to work across different AI platforms. While Anthropic created MCP, it’s been adopted by other AI providers including OpenAI and Google DeepMind. Development tools like VS Code, Cursor, Replit, and Sourcegraph also support MCP, making it a universal protocol for AI-tool integration.
Next steps…
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 simple ways we can help you get more done:
- Try MESA free. The best way to get started is sign up today. Every plan includes a 7-day free trial free so you can get your workflow running properly.
- Browse pre-made templates. Our pre-built workflow templates are a great way to get started with automation.
- Talk to our experts. We can personalize any template, provide guidance for custom workflows or, simply build workflows for you. Contact us.
