MCP Mac Control

Name: MCP Mac Control
Author: dockndevai

by dockndevaiversion 0.3.1i★ 0iRuns on your computer

Registry nameio.github.dockndevai/mcp-mac-control

How to install

What it does

Full macOS control — drive a Mac like a human: shell, AppleScript, files, and human-like GUI.

Connects Runs on your computer
Account or key No key needed
Category Docs, sheets & office work

Install

Pick the AI app you use, then copy the settings.

Passed 3/3 checks · Runs on your computer · ✓ Commands checked Nov 14, 2026

First: which AI do you use?

ClaudeWeb · app · phoneChatGPTWebClaude CodeTerminalCursorCode editorVS CodeCode editorOtherOther apps

Pick your app and the steps appear below.

Works with Claude, with some setup first

Install Node.js on your computer first (one time) · Only the Claude desktop app (Windows or Mac), not the web or phone

Install Node.js
One time only; it works for every server that needs Node.js
Open the Node.js download page ↗
Done
Open the Claude desktop app’s settings file
SettingsDeveloperEdit Config
Done

Paste these settings and save the file

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mac-control": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@dockndevai/mcp-mac-control"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Done

Quit Claude and open it again
Done
Try it
Use MCP Mac Control and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If Claude says it is using MCP Mac Control or shows a MCP Mac Control tool in the answer, you are connected

5 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

MACCTL_SAFE_MODE Set true to invert to safe-by-default: read-only, all powers gated, confirmations on. Default false (full control).
MACCTL_MODE Access mode: read-only | read-write | admin. Defaults to admin (or read-only in safe mode).
MACCTL_CONFIRM Set true to require human approval (via MCP elicitation) on destructive ops. Default off in full control.
MACCTL_PATH_ALLOWLIST Comma-separated path roots the agent may touch (empty = anywhere).
MACCTL_PROTECTED_PATHS Comma-separated path roots that may be read but never modified/deleted (empty by default in full control).

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against Anthropic’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

ChatGPT cannot connect MCP Mac Control yet

MCP Mac Control runs on your computer, but ChatGPT can only connect servers that run on the web

What you can do instead

A · Use an app that can connect MCP Mac Control

Steps for Claude →Install Node.js on your computer first (one time) · Only the Claude desktop app (Windows or Mac), not the web or phone
Steps for Claude Code →Install Node.js on your computer first (one time)
Steps for Cursor →Install Node.js on your computer first (one time)
Steps for VS Code →Install Node.js on your computer first (one time)

B · Others in Docs, sheets & office work that work with ChatGPT

Picked from the most used in the same category, only ones that connect by address with no key

Puter MCP✓ ChatGPT
LMCP✓ ChatGPT
Keeper.sh✓ ChatGPT

Works with Claude Code, with some setup first

Install Node.js on your computer first (one time)

Install Node.js
One time only; it works for every server that needs Node.js
Open the Node.js download page ↗
Done
Open Terminal
Mac: press Command+Space and type Terminal · Windows: open PowerShell
Done

Paste this command and press Enter

claude mcp add --scope user mac-control -- npx -y @dockndevai/mcp-mac-control

Done

Type /mcp in Claude Code
You should see MCP Mac Control listed as connected
Done
Try it
Use MCP Mac Control and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If Claude Code says it is using MCP Mac Control or shows a MCP Mac Control tool in the answer, you are connected

5 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

MACCTL_SAFE_MODE Set true to invert to safe-by-default: read-only, all powers gated, confirmations on. Default false (full control).
MACCTL_MODE Access mode: read-only | read-write | admin. Defaults to admin (or read-only in safe mode).
MACCTL_CONFIRM Set true to require human approval (via MCP elicitation) on destructive ops. Default off in full control.
MACCTL_PATH_ALLOWLIST Comma-separated path roots the agent may touch (empty = anywhere).
MACCTL_PROTECTED_PATHS Comma-separated path roots that may be read but never modified/deleted (empty by default in full control).

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against Anthropic’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

Works with Cursor, with some setup first

Install Node.js on your computer first (one time)

Install Node.js
One time only; it works for every server that needs Node.js
Open the Node.js download page ↗
Done
Click this button to open Cursor
Open in Cursor
Cursor asks you to confirm; click Install
Done
Open the AI chat in Cursor in Agent mode
Done
Try it
Use MCP Mac Control and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If Cursor says it is using MCP Mac Control or shows a MCP Mac Control tool in the answer, you are connected

5 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

MACCTL_SAFE_MODE Set true to invert to safe-by-default: read-only, all powers gated, confirmations on. Default false (full control).
MACCTL_MODE Access mode: read-only | read-write | admin. Defaults to admin (or read-only in safe mode).
MACCTL_CONFIRM Set true to require human approval (via MCP elicitation) on destructive ops. Default off in full control.
MACCTL_PATH_ALLOWLIST Comma-separated path roots the agent may touch (empty = anywhere).
MACCTL_PROTECTED_PATHS Comma-separated path roots that may be read but never modified/deleted (empty by default in full control).

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against Cursor’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

Works with VS Code, with some setup first

Install Node.js on your computer first (one time)

Install Node.js
One time only; it works for every server that needs Node.js
Open the Node.js download page ↗
Done
Click this button to open VS Code
Open in VS Code
VS Code asks you to confirm; click Install
Done
Open the AI chat in VS Code in Agent mode
Done
Try it
Use MCP Mac Control and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If VS Code says it is using MCP Mac Control or shows a MCP Mac Control tool in the answer, you are connected

5 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

MACCTL_SAFE_MODE Set true to invert to safe-by-default: read-only, all powers gated, confirmations on. Default false (full control).
MACCTL_MODE Access mode: read-only | read-write | admin. Defaults to admin (or read-only in safe mode).
MACCTL_CONFIRM Set true to require human approval (via MCP elicitation) on destructive ops. Default off in full control.
MACCTL_PATH_ALLOWLIST Comma-separated path roots the agent may touch (empty = anywhere).
MACCTL_PROTECTED_PATHS Comma-separated path roots that may be read but never modified/deleted (empty by default in full control).

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against VS Code’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

Other apps that use MCP, such as Windsurf, Zed or Gemini CLI, each add servers differently. See how in the app list.

See every app that uses MCP →

JSON settings are under “For developers” below

Stuck? Ask people who use MCP Mac Control💬 Discussion →

For developers: Terminal commands and JSON settings

Installed on your computer

Claude Code

claude mcp add --scope user mac-control -- npx -y @dockndevai/mcp-mac-control

Claude Desktop (claude_desktop_config.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mac-control": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@dockndevai/mcp-mac-control"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mac-control": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@dockndevai/mcp-mac-control"
      ]
    }
  }
}

VS Code (mcp.json)

{
  "servers": {
    "mac-control": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@dockndevai/mcp-mac-control"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Values you fill in

MACCTL_SAFE_MODE env
Set true to invert to safe-by-default: read-only, all powers gated, confirmations on. Default false (full control).
MACCTL_MODE env
Access mode: read-only | read-write | admin. Defaults to admin (or read-only in safe mode).
MACCTL_CONFIRM env
Set true to require human approval (via MCP elicitation) on destructive ops. Default off in full control.
MACCTL_PATH_ALLOWLIST env
Comma-separated path roots the agent may touch (empty = anywhere).
MACCTL_PROTECTED_PATHS env
Comma-separated path roots that may be read but never modified/deleted (empty by default in full control).

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

These settings are generated from the maker’s registry entry. If the README says otherwise, follow the README.

At a glance

GitHub stars i: 0
Downloads per weeki: 31/wk
Licence i: MIT
Connection: Runs on your computer
Transport: stdio
Latest versioni: 0.3.1
Categoryi: Docs, sheets & office work
Published to registryi: Sep 27, 2026
Code last changedi: Nov 11, 2026
Maker: dockndevai
Packages: npm: @dockndevai/mcp-mac-control
Repo: dockndevai/mcp-mac-control
Registry status: Active

Which apps can use it

Based on how this server connects and on each app’s own docs, checked Nov 10, 2026.

Run on your computer in

Claude Goose LM Studio Msty Studio Cherry Studio Cursor VS Code + GitHub Copilot Visual Studio Windsurf (Devin Desktop)Zed Kiro Cline Continue JetBrains AI Assistant Claude Code Codex CLI Gemini CLI OpenCode nodecode Warp LibreChat Raycast

All apps, with pros and cons →

What it can do

Runs on your computer; the tool list appears in your AI app after you install it.

Basic checksi

We check information anyone can see; we have not read the code. Checks that do not apply are left out of the count. · Checked Nov 14, 2026

✓ Pass
Maker matches the repo
The registry name was verified with the GitHub account dockndevai, which owns the repo
✓ Pass
Still maintained
Code last changed 3 days ago
✓ Pass
Has a licence
Uses MIT
– Not applicable
Endpoint responds
This one runs on your computer; there is no internet endpoint
– Not applicable
Sign-in with OAuth
Runs on your computer and uses local settings instead
… Not checked yet
No hidden instructions in tool descriptions
Runs on your computer; we can only read tool lists from internet endpoints

Discussion

Ask, share a tip or report that it does not work. Sorted by what people marked helpful.

No posts yet. Be the first to ask or share.

Posts here are written by users, not the PopNx team.

User reviews

No reviews yet

Compared with others in Docs, sheets & office worki

More stars than 0% of the other 3893 servers in this category
Published to the registry more recently than 38% of the other 3893 servers in this category
Basic checks equal to or better than 100% of the other 3893 servers in this category

Compared with every active server in this category in the registry. Stars count only when the publisher owns the repo.

Common questions

Is MCP Mac Control safe?

It passed 3 of 3 applicable basic checks. We have not read the code. Before adding a key or token, see what access the server asks for and use a key with only the permissions you need.

What keys or codes does it need?

The registry does not list a required key, though some servers ask you to sign in on first use.

Does it run on my computer or in the cloud?

It runs on your computer. Your AI app starts it when needed, and data does not pass through the maker’s servers (unless it calls an online service itself).

Is it still maintained?

The GitHub repo last changed 3 days ago, and the latest version (0.3.1) reached the registry 2 months ago.

Which apps can use it?

Apps that support MCP, such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor and VS Code. You also need Node.js on your computer.

What can I use instead?

In the same category: Puter MCP, XcodeBuildMCP, XcodeBuildMCP

Others in the same category

Servers in the same category from other makers, sorted by stars.

Reading a card:↓ Downloads per weeki★ GitHub starsiThree pillars: reviews · checks · usageiUpdated = latest version published to the registryi

Puter MCP

Puter MCP enables AI tools to interact with Puter: manage files, websites, workers, and more

by HeyPuterWidely used★ 44.2KUpdated 5 months ago

Runs in the cloud✓ service owner · puter.com

How to connect

XcodeBuildMCP

XcodeBuildMCP provides tools for Xcode project management, simulator management, and app utilities.

by getsentryWidely used↓ 130.5K/wk shared package★ 6.6KUpdated 4 months ago

Runs on your computer✓ service owner · xcodebuildmcp.com

Install

XcodeBuildMCP

XcodeBuildMCP provides tools for Xcode project management, simulator management, and app utilities.

by cameroncookeWidely used↓ 130.5K/wk shared package★ 6.6KUpdated 14 months ago

Runs on your computer

Install

README from the maker

Open the README

Copied from the maker’s repo as written. PopNx MCP has not reviewed or endorsed it. HTML, images and scripts are removed. Links lead off this site.

mcp-mac-control

A Model Context Protocol server that gives an AI agent full control of a Mac — like a person sitting at it. Shell, AppleScript, files, processes, and human-like GUI control: move, click, double/right-click, drag, scroll, type, and press key combos — with a screenshot + window/screen-size perception loop.

⚠️ This server is full-control by default. It starts in admin mode with command execution, deletes, and GUI input all enabled. That is powerful and dangerous: anything the agent reads (a web page, an email, a file) could contain a prompt injection that then runs arbitrary code on your Mac. Only connect it to an agent and content you trust. Set `MACCTL_SAFE_MODE=true` to flip the whole thing to safe-by-default. If you want safe-by-default as the baseline, use the sibling @dockndevai/mcp-macos instead.

Part of the dockndevai MCP server suite.

What it gives an agent (26 tools)

Perceive — screenshot, get_screen_size, list_windows, get_frontmost_app, list_apps, system_info, list_directory, read_file, list_processes, get_clipboard

Operate the desktop like a human — move_mouse, click (left/right/double), drag, scroll, type_text, key_press (with ⌘/⌥/⌃/⇧), activate_app, quit_app, open, set_clipboard, notify, write_file

Full power — run_command (any program, no shell unless you ask for one), run_applescript (AppleScript/JXA — drive any scriptable app), delete_path (→ Trash), kill_process

The classic loop: screenshot → decide → click/type/drag/scroll → screenshot again.

Install

npx -y @dockndevai/mcp-mac-control

macOS only. You'll need to grant the host app (Terminal, your IDE, Claude Desktop, …) macOS permissions the first time each capability is used:

Screen Recording → for screenshot
Accessibility → for GUI input (click, type_text, drag, scroll, key_press) and list_windows
Automation → for AppleScript / app control
Mouse control uses cliclick: brew install cliclick

Configure (Claude Code)

claude mcp add mac-control -- npx -y @dockndevai/mcp-mac-control

That's it — it's full-control by default. To scope it down, add env flags (see below). See docs/CLIENTS.md for Claude Desktop / Cursor / Codex / VS Code / Windsurf, and .env.example for every variable.

Dialing the control up or down

Full control needs no configuration. Everything below is about restricting it:

Variable	Default	Effect
`MACCTL_SAFE_MODE`	`false`	`true` → read-only, every power gated, confirmations on (safe-by-default)
`MACCTL_MODE`	`admin`	`read-only` / `read-write` / `admin` — caps which tools are registered
`MACCTL_ALLOW_EXEC`	`true`	shell / AppleScript / kill
`MACCTL_ALLOW_DELETE`	`true`	delete to Trash
`MACCTL_ALLOW_INPUT`	`true`	GUI input (mouse/keyboard)
`MACCTL_CONFIRM`	`false`	`true` → `run_command`, `run_applescript`, `delete_path`, `kill_process` pause for human approval via MCP elicitation. The prompt shows the tool, the exact arguments (command text, script, path) and a fingerprint; for `delete_path`, `kill_process` and file overwrites the target's version is pinned across the prompt and the action is refused if it changed; a prompt nobody answers is a refusal; trashing a folder also needs its path typed
`MACCTL_REQUIRE_HUMAN_APPROVAL`	`false`	`true` → implies `MACCTL_CONFIRM`, and those actions are refused if the client cannot elicit (instead of running on the `MACCTL_ALLOW_*` flags alone)
`MACCTL_PATH_ALLOWLIST`	(empty = anywhere)	confine file ops to these roots
`MACCTL_PROTECTED_PATHS`	(empty)	roots readable but never modified/deleted
`MACCTL_COMMAND_ALLOWLIST`	(empty = any)	restrict `run_command` to these programs
`MACCTL_DRY_RUN`	`false`	validate + log writes without executing
`MACCTL_AUDIT_LOG`	`true`	JSON audit line per guarded op, to stderr

The policy engine (src/security.ts) is the same graduated model as the rest of the suite — this server just ships it wide open by default. See SECURITY.md.

AI risk guard (optional)

For an extra layer on top of the static rules, this server can consult a local laya-guard daemon before running a high-risk tool (run_command, run_applescript, delete_path). The guard classifies the actual command — deterministic patterns plus a local decision model — as allow / confirm / block. It runs *after* the deterministic policy and can only tighten (add a confirm or block), never grant.

Variable	Default	Effect
`MACCTL_GUARD_MODE`	`off`	`monitor` (log what it would do) / `enforce` (block or require confirm)
`MACCTL_GUARD_URL`	`http://127.0.0.1:8799`	the local laya-guard daemon
`MACCTL_GUARD_TIMEOUT_MS`	`2000`	per-check timeout
`MACCTL_GUARD_FAIL_CLOSED`	`confirm`	when the daemon is unreachable in enforce mode: `confirm` or `allow`

Run the daemon with pipx install laya-guard && laya-guard. Start in monitor to see what it catches, then switch to enforce.

Developing

npm install

npm run build echo '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"tools/list","params":{}}' | node dist/index.js # list tools npm test

Licence

MIT

MCP Mac Control

What it does

Install

Install Node.js

Open the Claude desktop app’s settings file

Paste these settings and save the file

Quit Claude and open it again

Try it

What you can do instead

Install Node.js

Open Terminal

Paste this command and press Enter

Type /mcp in Claude Code

Try it

Install Node.js

Click this button to open Cursor

Open the AI chat in Cursor in Agent mode

Try it

Install Node.js

Click this button to open VS Code

Open the AI chat in VS Code in Agent mode

Try it

Installed on your computer

Values you fill in

At a glance

Which apps can use it

Related guides

What it can do

Basic checksi

Maker matches the repo

Still maintained

Has a licence

Endpoint responds

Sign-in with OAuth

No hidden instructions in tool descriptions

Discussion

User reviews

Compared with others in Docs, sheets & office worki

Common questions

Others in the same category

Puter MCP

XcodeBuildMCP

XcodeBuildMCP

README from the maker

mcp-mac-control

What it gives an agent (26 tools)

Install

Configure (Claude Code)

Dialing the control up or down

AI risk guard (optional)

Developing

Licence