# Pressa MCP server

> Lets AI assistants compile LaTeX source code into publication-quality PDF documents and manage document templates.

- Repository: https://github.com/pressa-dev/mcp
- Page: https://hostedmcp.org/servers/pressa-dev/mcp
- Transport: stdio, remote
- Stars: 0
- License: MIT
- Latest version: 0.11.4

## Install

### Claude Code

```sh
claude mcp add --env 'PRESSA_API_KEY=<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>' mcp -- npx -y @pressa/mcp
```

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

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@pressa/mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PRESSA_API_KEY": "<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

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

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "mcp": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@pressa/mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PRESSA_API_KEY": "<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code CLI

```sh
code --add-mcp '{"name":"mcp","type":"stdio","command":"npx","args":["-y","@pressa/mcp"],"env":{"PRESSA_API_KEY":"<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>"}}'
```

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

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@pressa/mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PRESSA_API_KEY": "<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Codex

```sh
codex mcp add mcp --env 'PRESSA_API_KEY=<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>' -- npx -y @pressa/mcp
```

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

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

[mcp_servers.mcp.env]
PRESSA_API_KEY = "<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>"
```

### Gemini CLI

```sh
gemini mcp add -s user -e 'PRESSA_API_KEY=<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>' mcp npx -- -y @pressa/mcp
```

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

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@pressa/mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PRESSA_API_KEY": "<YOUR_PRESSA_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Environment variables

| Name | Required | Secret | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `PRESSA_API_KEY` | no | yes | Optional. Without it the server exposes compile and the public template gallery, which work keyless within a daily allowance. A free key from pressa.dev raises the limits and registers the saved-template, asset and render tools. |

## Tools (11)

- `latex`
- `compiler`
- `list_public_templates`
- `get_public_template`
- `render_public_template`
- `name`
- `latex_content`
- `description`
- `instructions`
- `placeholder_engine`
- `id_or_name`

## FAQ

### Do I need an API key to use Pressa?

No, you can start in anonymous mode without an API key, which allows for 3 successful PDF compilations per day.

### What happens if my LaTeX compilation fails?

The server provides a structured diagnosis including the error class, the offending command, and a suggested fix instead of a raw TeX log.

### Can I use templates without an account?

Yes, the server exposes a public template gallery including invoices, resumes, and reports that work without credentials.

### What are the limits for anonymous mode?

Anonymous mode is limited to pdflatex, up to 3 pages, 30 KB of source, no image assets, and PDF links that expire after 1 hour.