macOS Automator
A Model Context Protocol server that enables execution of AppleScript and JavaScript for Automation scripts on macOS, allowing programmatic control of applications and system functions through a rich knowledge base of pre-defined scripts.
What is macOS Automator?
macOS Automator is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to model context protocol server that enables execution of applescript and javascript for automation scripts on macos, allowing programmatic control of applications and system functions through a rich kn...
A Model Context Protocol server that enables execution of AppleScript and JavaScript for Automation scripts on macOS, allowing programmatic control of applications and system functions through a rich knowledge base of pre-defined scripts.
This server falls under the File Systems and Developer Tools categories on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- A Model Context Protocol server that enables execution of Ap
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y @steipete/macos-automator-mcpManual Installation
npx -y @steipete/macos-automator-mcpConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use macOS Automator
macOS Automator MCP Server is a Model Context Protocol server that gives AI assistants the ability to execute AppleScript and JavaScript for Automation (JXA) scripts on macOS, enabling programmatic control of any application and system function. It ships with over 200 pre-built automation scripts in a knowledge base — covering tasks from toggling dark mode to extracting Safari URLs — and exposes them through an `execute_script` tool that accepts inline code, file paths, or knowledge base script IDs. Developers and power users can use it to let Claude control Finder, Safari, Mail, Terminal, and other apps, or build entirely custom automation workflows driven by natural language. It requires Node.js 24+ and macOS Automation and Accessibility permissions granted to the terminal or app running the server.
Prerequisites
- macOS operating system (required — this server is Apple-only)
- Node.js version 24.0.0 or higher
- Automation permissions granted in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation for the terminal app running the server
- Accessibility permissions granted in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility if UI scripting is needed
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop
Grant macOS Automation permissions
Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation. Find your terminal application or the app that will run the MCP server and enable checkboxes for every application it needs to control (Finder, Safari, Mail, etc.).
Grant Accessibility permissions (for UI scripting)
If you need to simulate clicks, keystrokes, or other UI interactions via System Events, also go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and add your terminal app to the list with its checkbox enabled.
Add the server to your MCP client configuration
Add the @steipete/macos-automator-mcp package to your MCP client config using npx. No separate installation step is required — npx downloads and runs the package automatically.
Restart your MCP client
Quit and relaunch Claude Desktop or your MCP client to load the new server configuration. On first run, macOS may prompt you to approve additional application access — click Allow.
Test the connection with a simple automation
In your AI assistant, ask it to run a basic AppleScript to verify the server is connected and permissions are working.
macOS Automator Examples
Client configuration
Add this to your MCP client's configuration file (mcp.json or claude_desktop_config.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"macos_automator": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "--package", "@steipete/macos-automator-mcp", "macos-automator-mcp"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Once connected, try these automation prompts with Claude:
- "Get the URL of the active tab in Safari"
- "Create a new folder called 'MCP Projects' on my Desktop"
- "Toggle dark mode on my Mac"
- "Take a screenshot and save it to my Desktop"
- "Get a list of all open applications"
- "Send a notification with the message 'Build complete'"Troubleshooting macOS Automator
Script fails with 'not authorized to send Apple events' error
The terminal or app running the MCP server lacks Automation permission for the target app. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation, find your terminal app, and enable the checkbox for the application the script tries to control.
UI scripting fails or System Events reports access not allowed
Accessibility permission is required for simulating clicks and keystrokes. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and add your terminal or node process to the allowed list.
Frequently Asked Questions about macOS Automator
What is macOS Automator?
macOS Automator is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that model context protocol server that enables execution of applescript and javascript for automation scripts on macos, allowing programmatic control of applications and system functions through a rich knowledge base of pre-defined scripts. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install macOS Automator?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y @steipete/macos-automator-mcp. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with macOS Automator?
macOS Automator works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is macOS Automator free to use?
Yes, macOS Automator is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Browse More File Systems MCP Servers
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