Atelier — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Headless pixel-art editor for AI coding tools. It lets agents build multi-layer sprites, render animations, and generate retro fonts purely via commands.
claude mcp add atelier -- docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0What Atelier does
Atelier equips coding agents with commands to draft pixel art, inspect coordinates, and compile animated sequences. It exports graphics to PNG, APNG, GIF formats, spritesheets, and pixel TrueType fonts. Every file remains strictly on the local disk.
Interaction runs via stdio through MCP or directly in terminal sessions. The entire codebase was produced by AI without line-by-line manual code reviews. Document schemas lack migration routines: incompatible versions reject older files instead of modifying them.
What it helps with
- generate multi-layer sprite artwork via agent prompts
- render animated sequences directly into GIF or APNG files
- produce custom pixel-based TrueType font files
- export finished frame sheets and standalone PNGs
Example prompts for the agent
- Use atelier to draw an animated 32x32 torch and export it to
torch.gif - Inspect the layers of the potion sprite and export it as PNG
- Generate a pixel explosion animation and save the spritesheet
How to install Atelier
Platform CLI
claude mcp add atelier -- docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0Platform CLI
codex mcp add atelier -- docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"atelier": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run",
"-i",
"--rm",
"ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"atelier": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run",
"-i",
"--rm",
"ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add atelier docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0Step 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 Atelier
How to install Atelier in Claude Code?
Run this command in your terminal: claude mcp add atelier -- docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/marmikshah/atelier:0.2.0. You must have Docker available on your system.
What does Atelier do?
It provides programmatic tools for drawing sprites, editing layers, and compiling pixel animations. Everything executes offline without a graphical interface.
Where does Atelier store project assets?
Files are kept inside ~/.atelier by default. Running atelier init inside a folder pins the art files directly to that project directory.
