MCP setup & integration guide

What is MCP?#

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for connecting AI assistants to external tools and data. Instead of copy-pasting API docs into a chat, the client discovers callable tools from a server and the model invokes them when your prompt needs real actions — generate an image, list projects, resize a brand pack, etc.

Quick start#

Create & manage an API key#

Keys are created in your ElarisLabs profile under API keys / MCP. Open your profile, choose a brand, set an expiry (max 24 weeks) and a spend cap (max 2000 credits), then copy the key — it is shown only once.

How the server works#

When an MCP client connects, it calls tools/list to discover available tools, then tools/call when the model decides to act. ElarisLabs validates your bearer token, resolves the bound brand, and runs the tool — either a free read (list projects) or a billed generation (image, video, brand pack).

Claude Desktop#

Works with Claude Desktop on macOS and Windows. Requires a recent version with remote MCP (URL) support.

Option A — Remote URL (recommended)#

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elarislabs": {
      "url": "https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer elx_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Option B — stdio bridge (older Claude builds)#

If your Claude version does not support remote url servers, use the mcp-remote npm package as a local bridge:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elarislabs": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp",
        "--header",
        "Authorization: Bearer elx_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Cursor#

Cursor has first-class MCP support. Use Agent mode so the model can call tools autonomously.

Global vs project config#

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elarislabs": {
      "url": "https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer elx_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elarislabs": {
      "url": "https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${env:ELARIS_MCP_KEY}"
      }
    }
  }
}

Other MCP clients#

Any client that supports remote MCP (URL + headers) can use the same config block. The JSON shape is always mcpServers → { name → { url, headers } }.

Claude Code (CLI)

Add to ~/.claude/settings.json or project .mcp.json — same structure as Claude Desktop. Run claude mcp list to verify.

Windsurf

Open Windsurf Settings → Cascade → MCP and add a custom server, or edit ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json with the same JSON block.

VS Code (GitHub Copilot agent mode)

In VS Code 1.99+, add MCP servers via Command Palette → "MCP: Add Server" or edit .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace. Use the URL transport with the Authorization header.

Generic stdio fallback

Clients that only support local stdio processes can use the mcp-remote bridge (same as Claude Option B above).

npx -y mcp-remote https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer elx_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"

Using multiple MCP servers#

MCP clients can connect to many servers at once. ElarisLabs handles creative generation; other servers handle their own domains (databases, docs, Google Workspace, etc.). Add each server as a separate entry under mcpServers.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elarislabs": {
      "url": "https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer elx_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"
      }
    },
    "another-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@example/some-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-other-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

What ElarisLabs MCP does (and doesn't)

Browse community servers at modelcontextprotocol/servers or your client's MCP directory (Cursor Settings → MCP → Add).

Example prompts#

Once connected, talk naturally. The agent maps your intent to tools.

Slack autonomous worker#

Slack is not an MCP client. Instead, the ElarisLabs Slack app runs the same tools in the background and delivers finished creative back to the thread. It can ask a clarifying question and resume when you reply.

@ElarisLabs make a square product shot of our new sneaker on a marble pedestal,
then build a brand pack for Instagram feed and story sizes.

Available tools#

Discovery tools are free; generation and editing tools consume credits from the key's brand.

Troubleshooting#

curl -s -X POST "https://studio.elarislabs.ai/api/mcp" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer elx_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"initialize","params":{"protocolVersion":"2024-11-05","capabilities":{},"clientInfo":{"name":"test","version":"1.0"}}}'