MCP Config Generator
One remote MCP server, seven clients, seven slightly different formats. Paste the URL once and copy the right config for each.
Every MCP client stores remote servers in its own file with its own key names, and a wrong key fails silently: Gemini CLI wants httpUrl (its url means the old SSE transport), Windsurf uses serverUrl, VS Code needs "type": "http" under servers, and Claude Code treats an entry without type as a local command. The generator above writes each format from one URL. We checked every format against the client's own documentation on 16 October 2026.
The formats side by side
| Client | File | URL key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude (claude.ai, Desktop) | none, in the app | URL field | Customize, Connectors, + Add, Add custom connector. Works on every plan; the Free plan allows one custom connector. |
| Claude Code | .mcp.json (project) or the CLI | url with "type": "http" | claude mcp add --transport http NAME URL, headers with --header, scope with --scope local|project|user. |
| Cursor | ~/.cursor/mcp.json or .cursor/mcp.json | url | Top-level mcpServers; headers can use ${env:NAME}. |
| VS Code | .vscode/mcp.json or the user mcp.json | url with "type": "http" | Top-level servers, not mcpServers; secrets via ${input:id}. |
| Gemini CLI | ~/.gemini/settings.json or .gemini/settings.json | httpUrl | url is for SSE. CLI: gemini mcp add --transport http NAME URL. |
| Codex | ~/.codex/config.toml | url | TOML table [mcp_servers.NAME]; bearer_token_env_var or http_headers for auth. |
| Windsurf / Devin Desktop | ~/.config/devin/mcp_config.json (macOS, Linux) | serverUrl | Top-level mcpServers; headers supported. |
Before you paste
- Check the server answers: run it through the MCP Server Tester.
- Servers with OAuth (most company servers, see the status list) need no header: the client opens the sign-in itself.
- Keep tokens out of shared files: use
${env:…}in Cursor,${input:…}in VS Code orbearer_token_env_varin Codex.
Need a server to try? Our own Shortform Kit MCP server is prefilled; more in the free remote MCP servers list.
How it works
- Paste the server URL And a short name; add a header only if the server uses an API key.
- Pick your client Copy the block for Cursor, VS Code, Claude Code, Gemini CLI, Codex or Windsurf.
- Restart or reload the client It picks up the new server and lists its tools.
FAQ
What is the mcp.json format for a remote server in Cursor?
In ~/.cursor/mcp.json: { "mcpServers": { "name": { "url": "https://example.com/mcp" } } }, optionally with a headers object.
Why does my remote MCP server not load in Gemini CLI?
Gemini CLI uses httpUrl for Streamable HTTP servers; url is for SSE. Use httpUrl or add it with gemini mcp add --transport http.
Why does VS Code ignore my MCP config?
VS Code's mcp.json uses the top-level key servers and needs "type": "http" for remote servers. The key mcpServers belongs to the portable .mcp.json files, not to .vscode/mcp.json.
How do I add a remote MCP server to Claude Code?
claude mcp add --transport http NAME URL. Add --header "Authorization: Bearer TOKEN" for API keys and --scope user to use it in every project.