Adobe InDesign — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects AI assistants to desktop Adobe InDesign over a local bridge to handle typography, multi-page layouts, and file exports.
claude mcp add indesign-nutria-mcp -- npx -y indesign-nutria-mcpWhat Adobe InDesign does
This server translates agent tool calls into direct InDesign actions. The package contains 197 tools covering text frame setup, paragraph formatting, table styling, image placement, and vector manipulations. It also supports running custom ExtendScript routines via script_run, GREP-based text replacement, and data merge workflows using CSV or XML sources.
Communication relies on STDIO between the agent and a Node.js process, which bridges to InDesign's UXP plugin via WebSocket on local port 8120. InDesign must run locally. If the desktop application is not active on your system, the server cannot execute commands.
What it helps with
- Build multi-page documents and apply master spread templates
- Import Word documents with paragraph style mappings
- Generate styled tables with merged cells and custom borders
- Run GREP search-and-replace queries across text frames
- Export documents to print PDF, EPUB, or web images
Example prompts for the agent
- Create a 4-page A4 document and add a blue circle on page 2.
- Place /assets/photo.jpg onto the active spread and fit it proportionally.
- Export the current document to a print-ready PDF.
How to install Adobe InDesign
Platform CLI
claude mcp add indesign-nutria-mcp -- npx -y indesign-nutria-mcpPlatform CLI
codex mcp add adobe-indesign -- npx -y indesign-nutria-mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"adobe-indesign": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"indesign-nutria-mcp"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"adobe-indesign": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"indesign-nutria-mcp"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add adobe-indesign npx -y indesign-nutria-mcpStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Adobe InDesign
How to install Adobe InDesign in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add adobe-indesign -- npx -y indesign-nutria-mcp in your terminal. Claude Code will configure the server execution through npx.
What does this MCP server do?
It gives an AI agent direct control over the desktop InDesign application to build layouts, adjust styles, position graphics, and produce exports.
What are the prerequisites?
You need Node.js 18 or higher, desktop Adobe InDesign 2022 or later running, and port 8120 available for the internal WebSocket connection.
