> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://onresonant.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MCP setup guide

> Connect Resonant's MCP server to Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible AI tools.

## Overview

Resonant includes a built-in [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) server. Once connected, your AI tools can search your dictations, query meeting transcripts, browse your journal, and access ambient context — all from natural language prompts.

The MCP server starts automatically when Resonant launches. No additional setup is needed on the Resonant side.

## Prerequisites

* **Resonant** installed and running on your Mac ([download](https://www.onresonant.com/download))
* macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)
* An MCP-compatible AI tool (Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, etc.)

***

## Claude Code (auto-discovery)

Claude Code auto-discovers Resonant's MCP server. No configuration required.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install and open Resonant" />

  <Step title="Open Claude Code" />

  <Step title="Try a query">
    Ask: "What did I dictate today?"
  </Step>
</Steps>

Claude Code will detect Resonant's MCP server and use its tools automatically. You'll see tool calls like `search()` or `get_journal()` in Claude's responses.

***

## Cursor (auto-discovery)

Cursor also auto-discovers Resonant's MCP server when both are running.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install and open Resonant" />

  <Step title="Open Cursor" />

  <Step title="Try a query">
    In Cursor's AI chat, ask: "Search my recent dictations for mentions of auth"
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## VS Code & other MCP clients (manual config)

For VS Code, Windsurf, and other MCP-compatible tools, add Resonant's server to your MCP configuration:

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "resonant": {
      "command": "/Applications/Resonant.app/Contents/Resources/mcp-server",
      "transport": "stdio"
    }
  }
}
```

Add this to your MCP settings file. The location varies by client:

* **VS Code:** `.vscode/mcp.json`
* **Windsurf:** `~/.windsurf/mcp.json`

***

## Verifying the connection

To confirm the MCP server is working, ask your AI tool any of these:

* "What Resonant tools are available?"
* "Show my recent voice activity"
* "What model is Resonant using?"
* "Search my dictations for \[any keyword]"

If the AI tool responds with data from Resonant (rather than saying it doesn't have access), the connection is working.

***

## Example queries

| Query                                           | Tool used                |
| ----------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| "What did I discuss in my last meeting?"        | `search` → `get_meeting` |
| "What was I working on yesterday?"              | `ambient_timeline`       |
| "Find all my dictations about the API redesign" | `search`                 |
| "Show me today's journal"                       | `get_journal`            |
| "How many words have I dictated this week?"     | `get_stats`              |
| "What apps did I use most today?"               | `ambient_app_usage`      |

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="AI tool doesn't see Resonant's tools">
    Make sure Resonant is running. The MCP server only starts when Resonant is active. Restart your AI tool after launching Resonant.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Queries return empty results">
    The MCP server queries your local voice workspace. If you just installed Resonant, use it for a day first — dictate, record a meeting, or capture some memos. The tools need data to search.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Manual config not working">
    Verify the path to the MCP server binary exists: `/Applications/Resonant.app/Contents/Resources/mcp-server`. If Resonant is installed elsewhere, adjust the path.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="MCP Tool Reference" icon="wrench" href="/docs/integrations/mcp-tools">
    Full documentation for all 11 MCP tools with parameters and examples.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dictation" icon="microphone" href="/docs/features/dictation">
    Learn about voice models, formatting, and dictation settings.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>