Claude/Desktop/Connector

• Use connectors to extend Claude's capabilities

  • Overview

    • Connectors let Claude access apps and services, retrieve data, and take actions within connected services. Claude inherits each person's permissions from the source system.
    • Web (remote) connectors work on Claude web, Cowork, Claude/Desktop, Claude Mobile, and Claude Code (and via API MCP Connector).
    • Desktop extensions (local MCP) install via Claude/Desktop/Extension but their tools also appear under the chat Connectors menu once installed.
    • Directory: Connectors Directory — per-connector use cases, read/write capabilities, availability.
    • When to use which: When to use desktop and web connectors

  • Remote connectors vs desktop extensions

    • Tool type	Install / connect	Surfaces
      Cloud SaaS (Slack, Linear, Notion, GitHub, …)	Customize > Connectors or directory	Web, mobile, Cowork, Desktop, Code
      Runs on your machine (files, localhost DB, desktop app)	Settings > Extensions (.mcpb)	Desktop, Code only
      Custom MCP with public URL	Add custom connector (remote)	All surfaces
      Custom MCP that runs locally	Desktop extension	Desktop, Code only

    • Plugins can bundle remote MCP, local MCP, or both.

  • Browse and connect (remote)

    • From chat: + (or /) → Connectors → Manage connectors → + next to Connectors → browse by category.
    • From settings: Customize > Connectors → + → pick connector → Connect / Install → authenticate.
    • In conversation: + → Connectors → toggle services on for that chat.
    • Desktop app: Settings → Connectors or Manage connectors from the prompt Connectors menu (Claude Code Desktop docs).

  • Tool access modes

    • + → Connectors → Tool access (or see Manage Claude's tool access).
    • Auto (default) for most users; On demand when 10+ connectors are active.

  • Custom connectors (remote MCP)

    • Customize > Connectors → + → Add custom connector → name, URL, optional OAuth client ID/secret.
    • Server must be reachable from Anthropic's cloud (not only your LAN). Free plan: one custom connector.
    • Setup guide: Get started with custom connectors using remote MCP

  • Team and Enterprise

    • Owners enable connectors at Organization settings > Connectors before members can authenticate.
    • Tool permissions per connector: Always allow / Needs approval / Blocked (read vs write categories).
    • Connectors in private projects only; synced chats not shareable.

  • Notable connectors and local tools

    • Remote / directory examples

      • Linear — create and manage issues
      • Slack — send messages, search channels
      • Google Drive — search and read files (per account permissions)
      • Claude in Chrome — browser tasks from Desktop; configure under Settings > Connectors → Claude in Chrome; requires Chrome Web Store extension. See Get started with Claude in Chrome.

    • Desktop extensions (install under Claude/Desktop/Extension)

      • Local MCP packages from Settings > Extensions > Browse extensions; tools then show in chat Connectors. Common directory examples:
      • Filesystem — read/write access to directories you approve; find, read, write, and organize files without drag-and-drop.
      • Control Chrome — read the active tab, navigate, click, and extract content from the open browser (live, not cached); pairs with browser use cases on the machine.
      • pdf-viewer — open PDFs inline with annotation and text extraction without a separate viewer app.
      • Other frequently paired extensions (community writeups): Desktop Commander (shell/process workflows), Filesystem Plus (stricter path controls)—often combined with Filesystem for local agentic loops (write → run script → read output in one chat).

  • Security

    • Encrypted transfers; only data you can access in the source system.
    • Review permissions when connecting; disconnect unused services.
    • Custom connectors are unverified by Anthropic—trusted servers only.

  • Troubleshooting

    • Remote: stable network, active account, disconnect/reconnect at Customize > Connectors.
    • Custom connector timeout: server must be public-internet reachable from Anthropic cloud (firewall allowlist)—not the same as local extensions.
    • Local tools missing: confirm extension installed under Settings > Extensions; check + → Connectors toggles; restart Desktop; see Claude/Desktop/Extension troubleshooting.