What is Mcpbar

MCPBar is an all-in-one CLI manager for MCP servers, designed to simplify the installation, management, and discovery of AI tools with a standardized approach using mcp.json manifest files.

Use cases

Use cases for MCPBar include developers needing to quickly install and manage multiple MCP servers, teams collaborating on AI projects, and individuals exploring different AI tools in a standardized manner.

How to use

To use MCPBar, install it globally via npm with ‘npm install -g mcpbar’. You can then use commands like ‘mcpbar install ’ to install servers, ‘mcpbar remove ’ to remove them, and ‘mcpbar list’ to view installed servers.

Key features

Key features include simple installation and management of MCP servers, a user-friendly command-line interface with interactive prompts, cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux), and support for multiple MCP clients.

Where to use

MCPBar can be used in various fields that require the management of MCP servers, particularly in AI development and deployment environments.

MCP Bar

Your all-in-one CLI manager for MCP servers and home to an open registry with 1500+ ready-to-use servers. Install, manage, and discover AI tools effortlessly.

🧩 MCP Manifest Concept

MCPBar implements a standardized approach for MCP servers using mcp.json manifest files. This solution:

• 📄 Uses a standardized manifest format (mcp.json) similar to package.json in npm
• 🌐 Supports a decentralized distribution model where developers can host manifests anywhere
• 🔄 Allows installation directly from URLs, local files, or package aliases
• 🔍 Features an optional registry for enhanced discoverability
• 🔐 Securely handles server configuration with explicit handling of sensitive inputs
• 📚 Includes an open registry with 1500+ MCP servers in the registry directory
• 🐳 Supports multiple runtime options including npx, uvx and docker

This approach simplifies discovery, installation, and configuration of MCP servers across different clients, making the MCP ecosystem more accessible and organized.

The extensive registry is the foundation of an open and standardized MCP ecosystem, enabling developers to easily discover, share, and contribute to the growing collection of MCP servers.

For more details, see the MCP Manifest Proposal and Concept Overview.

🌟 Features

• 🔄 Simple installation and management of MCP servers
• 🛠️ User-friendly command-line interface with interactive prompts for easy configuration
• 📱 Works cross-platform including Windows, macOS, and Linux
• 🔍 Search, install, disable, and enable MCP servers with ease
• 🔌 Supports multiple MCP clients including Claude, Cline, Cursor, Windsurf, Witsy, and more

📦 Installation

npm install -g mcpbar

🔧 Usage

Basic Commands

# 🔍 Install a server
mcpbar install ./manifests/github.json

# 🗑️ Remove a server
mcpbar remove playwright # remove playwright server

# 📋 List installed servers
mcpbar list # show existing mcp servers installed on the device

Search for MCP Servers

Search for available MCP packages in the registry:

mcpbar search <query>        # Search for MCP servers and opens in your browser
mcpbar s <query>             # Short alias for search

Install a MCP Server

Install a MCP server from a URL (any protocol supported by fetch), file path, or package alias:

mcpbar install <path-to-manifest.json>  # Install from local manifest file
mcpbar i <path-to-manifest.json>        # Short alias for install
mcpbar install https://example.com/manifest.json  # Install from HTTP URL
mcpbar install file:///path/to/manifest.json     # Install using file protocol
mcpbar install vendor/package-name      # Install using package alias

Example:

# Install from a local manifest file
mcpbar install ./manifests/github.json

# Install using package alias (shorthand)
mcpbar i 21st-dev/magic-mcp

# Install from a URL
mcpbar install https://esm.sh/gh/in-fun/mcpbar/registry/21st-dev/magic-mcp.json

# Install using file protocol
mcpbar install file:///Users/username/projects/manifests/custom.json

Remove a MCP Server

Remove a MCP server:

mcpbar remove <name>         # Remove a specific server
mcpbar rm <name>             # Short alias for remove

List MCP Servers

View all your configured MCP servers:

mcpbar list
# Or use the short alias
mcpbar ls

Edit MCP Client Configuration

Open the configuration file for an MCP client directly in your default editor:

mcpbar edit              # Edit configuration for the default client (claude)
mcpbar edit --client cursor  # Edit configuration for a specific client
mcpbar e --client witsy      # Short alias for edit

If the configuration file doesn’t exist, the command will offer to create an empty file for you.

Start an MCP Server

Run a MCP server on standalone mode.

mcpbar start <name>
# Or use the alias
mcpbar s <name>

📋 Example Workflow

# Search for available servers
mcpbar search playwright

# Install the server you want
mcpbar install playwright

# Verify installation
mcpbar list

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.