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MCP servers are tools Shape can call from chat. Add one in Settings → Agents → MCP, or keep a server in mcp.json if you want it in a file. Servers you add in Settings stay in Shape. They are not written into mcp.json. A server in mcp.json is picked up on its own. You do not have to add it again in Settings. Use MCP when the tool runs on your machine or at a URL you already have. Use a plugin when the tool is an outside account.

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Add a server in Settings

Open Settings → Agents → MCP and choose Add server. Paste the server URL, or paste its JSON config. Shape shows the server, then connects. If the server asks you to sign in, finish that in the browser. Remove a server you added there with Remove. That does not change mcp.json.

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Open the file

On the MCP page, choose Open mcp.json. If the file does not exist yet, Shape creates it.

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Add a server

Use command when Shape should start the process. Use url if the server is already running.
Save the file. Name the server something you will recognize in chat. The name is what you will refer to, not the package name.

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Try it

Send a message that needs the tool. If the server does not show up:
  1. Save mcp.json.
  2. Open Settings → Agents → MCP again. Shape reloads the file.
  3. Open the same folder again.
  4. Check that command is on your PATH when Shape starts. A tool that only works in your existing terminal session will fail here.

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The file on this machine

mcp.json lives in Shape’s data folder, not in the repo. Do not put API keys in it. Use env vars the server already reads.

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Remove a server

Delete the entry from mcp.json and save. Restart Shape if the tool still appears.