Desktop MCP: write scripts and control prompting with AI

Desktop MCP connects Open Teleprompter Desktop with AI tools. In Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, WorkBuddy, and similar apps, you can create scripts, organize folders, open the teleprompter, and control playback by chat—without copying text between windows.

The web app and mobile App do not include this. You need Desktop installed and open.

What you can do

CapabilityExample ask
Write & create scripts“Write a 1-minute talking-head script and save it.”
Manage scriptsSearch, rename, delete, move into folders
Open teleprompter“Open that script in a new teleprompter window.”
Control playbackPlay / pause, change constant speed, jump paragraphs (open a window first)
Check accountMembership info and follow quota remaining

Floating windows follow plan limits (month 2 / quarter 3 / year 5). See Membership benefits.

Get started in 3 steps

1. Enable it in Desktop

  1. Install and open Desktop
  2. Sign in
  3. Use a monthly / quarterly / yearly membership (non-members do not enable MCP)
  4. Open Settings → Desktop MCP (or MCP), confirm status Enabled / Running, then Copy URL

Default URL:

http://127.0.0.1:17890/mcp

If the port is busy, Desktop may use 17891–17899. Always copy the URL from Settings. When Desktop is closed, AI tools cannot connect.

2. Add the connection in your AI tool

Paste the URL as an HTTP / Streamable HTTP / URL MCP server (not a local script path).

Cursor

Example .cursor/mcp.json:

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

On first tool calls Cursor prompts for approval. Choose Always allow, or add teleprompter to the MCP Allowlist under Settings → Agents → Approvals & Execution.

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 and others

Add a URL-based MCP server with the same address. Stdio-only clients need their own bridge; Desktop does not ship a stdio entrypoint.

3. Just chat

After it connects, talk naturally, for example:

  • “Write a live-selling script and create it as a teleprompter script.”
  • “Write a script with section TOC and save it” (use # Section lines in the body)
  • “Open Today’s live script and start constant-speed playback at 280.”
  • “Move this script into the Live folder.”

The agent picks the right actions; you describe the goal.

For a table of contents (outline / jump paragraphs in the teleprompter), ask the agent to use Markdown heading lines in the body:

# Opening
Hi everyone…

# Three prompting modes
Pick a mode after you open the teleprompter…

Lines starting with # / ## become TOC anchors; short titles without # do not.

Tips

  • Keep Desktop open while connected
  • Use an MCP-capable client and model
  • The URL listens on 127.0.0.1 only—not a public cloud MCP
  • Other programs on the same machine may reach the URL while it runs (same permissions as your signed-in account). Prefer trusted devices.

FAQ

No “Enabled” status?

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

Client cannot connect?

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

Can edit scripts but cannot play?

Ask the agent to open a teleprompter window first, then request playback.

Does data go to the public internet?

No. The connection stays on your machine and is not hosted as an online MCP service.

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