Desktop MCP guide

Desktop only exposes a local MCP server so tools like Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, and WorkBuddy can manage scripts, open the teleprompter, and control playback. The web app and mobile App do not provide MCP.

Before you start

  1. Install and open Desktop
  2. Sign in
  3. Use a monthly / quarterly / yearly membership (non-members do not start MCP)
  4. Open Settings → MCP, confirm the green Running status, and copy the server URL

Default URL:

http://127.0.0.1:17890/mcp

If the port is busy, Desktop may use 17891–17899. Always copy the URL shown in Settings. When Desktop is closed, clients cannot connect.

Configure each client

Add an HTTP / Streamable HTTP MCP server and paste the URL from Settings.

Cursor

Example .cursor/mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "teleprompter": {
      "url": "http://127.0.0.1:17890/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

claude mcp add --transport http teleprompter http://127.0.0.1:17890/mcp

Codex

codex mcp add teleprompter --url http://127.0.0.1:17890/mcp

Or set url in ~/.codex/config.toml.

WorkBuddy

Add a URL-based MCP server in WorkBuddy’s MCP settings with the same address.

Pi and others

The client must support HTTP MCP (Pi may need a community adapter). Stdio-only clients need their own bridge; Desktop does not ship a stdio entrypoint.

Supported capabilities

Agents pick tools from your natural language. Desktop MCP currently covers:

Scripts & folders

  • List / get / create / update / delete / search scripts
  • Move scripts between folders
  • Create, rename, and delete folders

Example: “Write a 1-minute talking-head script and create it as a teleprompter script.”

Teleprompter windows

  • Open / close a floating teleprompter window
  • Open the preview window

Floating windows follow membership multi-window limits (month 2 / quarter 3 / year 5). See Membership benefits.

Playback

With a teleprompter window open, you can:

  • Play / pause / reset to top
  • Set or nudge constant-speed CPM
  • Switch constant vs AI follow (floating windows are constant-first)
  • Scroll by page, jump paragraphs, toggle TOC
  • Read current playback status

Example: “Open that script and start constant-speed playback at 280 CPM.”

Account

  • Current profile / membership
  • Follow usage and remaining free quota

FAQ

No green “Running” status?

If you are signed out or not on a monthly/quarterly/yearly plan, the server does not start. Sign in and upgrade first.

Client cannot connect?

Keep Desktop open; match the URL/port from Settings; use HTTP/URL transport, not a local script path.

Can edit scripts but cannot play?

Open a teleprompter window first, then ask for playback actions.

Is this a public cloud MCP?

No. It listens on 127.0.0.1 only and is not hosted as an online MCP service.

Can other local apps call it?

Yes. While the server is running, any process on this machine that can reach the URL may invoke tools with your signed-in account. Use it on trusted devices; quitting Desktop stops the server.

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