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About Paper Desktop MCP

Paper Desktop local MCP connects an AI client to the currently open Paper design file for design inspection and editing.

What you can use it for

  • Read design-file context
  • Create or modify frames and components in the active Paper file
Connection and setup
Hosting
local desktop application
Transport
stdio via Paper CLI
Endpoint
Local process; no hosted endpoint documented
Authentication
Managed by Paper Desktop/client integration.

Requirements

  • Paper Desktop installed and open with a design file
  • Paper CLI installed by the Paper Desktop app
  • MCP client with stdio support

Setup steps

  1. Install and open Paper Desktop, then open the intended design file.
  2. In the editor, open the MCP panel and click Add to Codex, or copy the Paper CLI path from that panel.
  3. Use the copied executable path with arguments mcp; the official Codex command form is codex mcp add paper -- <copied-paper-cli-path> mcp.
  4. Reload Codex and inspect tools; use a new test file for any write operation.
Tools 19+

Nineteen names and concise purposes come from an independent public Paper MCP tool reference; Paper’s own current documentation confirms MCP operation but does not publish the identifier roster. Paper’s official WebMCP example independently uses get_basic_info. Treat these as a sourced partial inventory; the full local tool list may vary by Paper Desktop version and context.

  • get_basic_info

    File overview with artboards, dimensions, and fonts in use.

    01
  • get_selection

    Returns the currently selected nodes.

    02
  • get_tree_summary

    Returns a compact hierarchy overview of a subtree.

    03
  • get_children

    Returns the direct children of a node.

    04
  • get_node_info

    Returns detailed information for a specific node.

    05
  • get_computed_styles

    Returns computed CSS values; supports batches.

    06
  • get_fill_image

    Extracts image data from a node.

    07
  • get_screenshot

    Captures a visual image of a node.

    08
  • get_font_family_info

    Returns font availability and weight/style details.

    09
  • get_jsx

    Exports JSX code using Tailwind or inline styles.

    10
  • get_guide

    Returns built-in Paper MCP instructions or guides.

    11
  • create_artboard

    Creates a new top-level frame.

    12
  • write_html

    Adds or replaces canvas content using HTML with inline CSS.

    13
  • update_styles

    Modifies styles on existing nodes; supports batches.

    14
  • set_text_content

    Changes text on Text nodes; supports batches.

    15
  • rename_nodes

    Sets layer names; supports batches.

    16
  • duplicate_nodes

    Deep-clones nodes and returns descendant ID mapping.

    17
  • delete_nodes

    Removes nodes and their descendants.

    18
  • finish_working_on_nodes

    Releases working indicators when work on nodes is complete.

    19

This server’s available tools can vary by account, permissions, or configuration. The list shown is not its full runtime catalog.

Limitations and notes
  • Paper MCP supports writing to design files; no tools/call was made.
  • The local Paper Desktop application and CLI are required and were unavailable for this probe.
  • Official favicon inspected; contrast is weak on a light background, so logo is queued pending a better approved asset.
Original sources
  • discovery directory

    Toolfolio listing used to discover this product; its MCP label is discovery evidence only.

  • official branding page

    Official product-site icon asset selected and inspected visually; source asset: https://paper.design/apple-touch-icon.png.

  • official documentation

    Current official publisher/maintainer documentation checked 2026-10-28T19:00:00.000Z.

Documentation checked 2026-10-28T19:00:00.000Z. Connection has not been runtime tested.

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