What is Scratchpad Tool

The scratchpad-tool is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to assist LLMs (Large Language Models) in organizing thoughts, taking notes, and planning approaches to complex problems.

Use cases

Use cases for the scratchpad-tool include brainstorming sessions, project planning, note-taking during research, and organizing thoughts for complex problem-solving tasks.

How to use

To use the scratchpad-tool, integrate it into your custom instructions by adding a markdown section that encourages structured thinking. You can also configure it in the Claude Desktop or Claude Code environments by modifying the respective configuration files.

Key features

Key features include the ability to write notes, organize thoughts, and plan steps in Markdown format, specifically tailored for internal use by LLMs when addressing complex user requests.

Where to use

The scratchpad-tool is applicable in various fields that require structured thinking and problem-solving, particularly in AI development, research, and any domain where LLMs are employed.

Scratchpad Tool MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol server that provides a scratchpad tool for LLMs to organize thoughts, take notes, and plan approaches to complex problems.

API

Tools

• scratchpad
  • Use the scratchpad to write notes, organize your thoughts, and plan steps to help you think through the user’s requests, especially for complex problems. Use this tool as often as needed throughout your work
  • Inputs:
    • title (string): A brief description of what you are thinking about
    • content (string): Your thoughts and/or notes in Markdown format
  • This tool is designed to be used internally by LLMs for planning and organization

Usage

Add the following section to your custom instructions:

- Structured Thinking with Scratchpad: Use the `scratchpad` tool to write notes, organize your thoughts, and plan steps to help you think through the user's requests, especially for complex problems. Use this tool as often as needed throughout your work.

With Claude Desktop

1. Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "scratchpad-tool": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "scratchpad-tool"
      ]
    }
  }
}

With Claude Code

claude mcp add scratchpad-tool -- npx -y scratchpad-tool

To disable Claude Code’s thinking feature (recommended when using the scratchpad tool):

{
  "env": {
    "MAX_THINKING_TOKENS": "0"
  }
}

License

This MCP server is licensed under the MIT License. This means you are free to use, modify, and distribute the software, subject to the terms and conditions of the MIT License. For more details, please see the LICENSE file in the project repository.