# CartCut MCP server

> Allows AI clients to edit video projects by cutting from transcripts, adding captions, and applying motion, transitions, and effects.

- Repository: https://github.com/cartesiancs/cartcut
- Page: https://hostedmcp.org/servers/cartesiancs/cartcut
- Official: yes
- Transport: stdio
- Stars: 832
- License: MIT
- Latest version: 0.1.0

## Install

### Claude Code

```sh
claude mcp add --env 'CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>' cartcut -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp
```

### Cursor (`~/.cursor/mcp.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cartcut": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN": "<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code (`.vscode/mcp.json`)

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "cartcut": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN": "<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code CLI

```sh
code --add-mcp '{"name":"cartcut","type":"stdio","command":"npx","args":["-y","@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"],"env":{"CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN":"<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"}}'
```

### Claude Desktop (`claude_desktop_config.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cartcut": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN": "<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Codex

```sh
codex mcp add cartcut --env 'CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>' -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp
```

### Codex config.toml (`~/.codex/config.toml`)

```toml
[mcp_servers.cartcut]
command = "npx"
args = ["-y", "@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"]

[mcp_servers.cartcut.env]
CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN = "<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
```

### Gemini CLI

```sh
gemini mcp add -s user -e 'CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>' cartcut npx -- -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp
```

### Gemini settings.json (`~/.gemini/settings.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cartcut": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN": "<YOUR_CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Environment variables

| Name | Required | Secret | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN` | no | yes | Optional. CartCut's MCP token; read from CartCut's own settings when unset. |

## FAQ

### How do I connect Claude to CartCut?

You can add it via Claude Code using 'claude mcp add cartcut -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp' or by adding the server configuration to your Claude Desktop JSON settings.

### Does my video data leave my computer?

No, the bridge only communicates with the local address where CartCut is running, ensuring nothing leaves your machine.

### What happens if CartCut closes during a tool call?

The call will be answered with an error instead of being retried to prevent accidental duplicate edits to the timeline.

### Where can I find my CartCut MCP token?

The token is located under the lightning bolt icon at the bottom right of the CartCut window.