Platform Setup

Requirements

All local setups require:

• Node.js 18+
• Shotstack production API key — dashboard.shotstack.io

danger

The MCP server currently only supports production API keys. Sandbox/stage keys will not work.

Claude Desktop

Option 1: Custom Connector (Pro/Max/Team/Enterprise plans)

1. Open Settings > Connectors
2. Click "Add custom connector"
3. Enter: https://mcp.shotstack.io/
4. Complete OAuth with your Shotstack account

Option 2: Local Server (all plans)

Config file location:

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shotstack": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "SHOTSTACK_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

claude mcp add shotstack -- npx -y @shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server --api-key=your_api_key

Cursor

Config file: ~/.cursor/mcp.json (global) or .cursor/mcp.json (project)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shotstack": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "SHOTSTACK_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

ChatGPT

ChatGPT uses the remote MCP server—no local installation required.

Endpoint: https://mcp.shotstack.io/

1. Open ChatGPT settings → MCP configuration
2. Add endpoint https://mcp.shotstack.io/
3. Complete OAuth with your Shotstack account

Other Platforms

VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json):

{
  "servers": {
    "shotstack": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server"],
      "env": { "SHOTSTACK_API_KEY": "your_api_key" }
    }
  }
}

Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shotstack": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server"],
      "env": { "SHOTSTACK_API_KEY": "your_api_key" }
    }
  }
}

Zed (settings.json):

{
  "context_servers": {
    "shotstack": {
      "command": {
        "path": "npx",
        "args": ["-y", "@shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server"],
        "env": { "SHOTSTACK_API_KEY": "your_api_key" }
      }
    }
  }
}

Gemini CLI:

gemini mcp add shotstack -s user -- npx -y @shotstack/shotstack-mcp-server --api-key=your_api_key

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
MCP Connection Issues	Check npx path for local or switch toggle oauth for remote
API key errors	Use the production key at dashboard.shotstack.io
npx not found	Install Node.js 18+, ensure it's in PATH
Render fails	Check account has credits, try simpler prompt