AInotate — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Generates annotated screenshots with arrows, step numbers, and boxes directly in agent chats. Useful for UI walkthroughs, bug reports, and redacting private tokens.
claude mcp add ainotate -- uvx ainotateWhat AInotate does
Instead of writing paragraphs describing UI layouts, agents return an annotated picture. The tool captures web pages, active windows, or existing image files, then draws directional arrows, numbered steps, and text badges to make targets visible.
Sensitive information is handled automatically. The engine blocks out email strings and auth tokens with solid fills before delivering the final image. When chaining multiple steps, ainotate guide compiles the sequence into Markdown, HTML, or PDF documents.
Capturing websites requires Chromium on the host system. Running ainotate doctor reveals missing dependencies and outputs the command to install the browser. Launching the server with uvx requires Python 3.10 or newer and uv.
What it helps with
- pinpoint hidden controls and buttons on screen
- compile visual walkthroughs into Markdown, HTML, or PDF
- censor auth tokens and email addresses on bug screenshots
- highlight interface bugs with colored bounding frames
Example prompts for the agent
- Take a screenshot of the home page and point an arrow at the sign-in button
- Capture the settings page, redact my email address, and highlight the 2FA toggle
- Build a numbered walkthrough guide for the checkout process as a PDF
How to install AInotate
Platform CLI
claude mcp add ainotate -- uvx ainotateuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from ainotate <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add ainotate -- uvx ainotateuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from ainotate <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"ainotate": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"ainotate"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from ainotate <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"ainotate": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"ainotate"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from ainotate <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add ainotate uvx ainotateuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from ainotate <command>
Step 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 AInotate
How do I install AInotate in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add ainotate -- uvx ainotate. You need uv installed on your machine so uvx can launch the package.
What does AInotate do?
It grabs application windows or websites and draws step badges, arrows, and borders around specific interface controls. It also blacks out sensitive strings like tokens and emails.
How do I enable browser capture for web pages?
Web capture requires Chromium. Run ainotate doctor in your terminal to verify dependencies and fetch the setup command.
