CartCut — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects your AI agent to the CartCut desktop video editor. Edit timelines, trim footage by transcript, and style captions directly via chat prompts.
claude mcp add cartcut -e CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN> -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcpWhat CartCut does
This package serves as a local stdio bridge between an MCP client and the CartCut video editor running on your machine. The assistant interacts directly with your open project: cutting clips based on spoken transcripts, styling captions, and adjusting scene transitions. All edits register in CartCut's native history, so standard ⌘Z shortcuts revert changes instantly.
CartCut hosts its internal MCP server on http://127.0.0.1:9826/mcp. No project files leave the local environment because traffic stays strictly on that loopback address. The bridge picks up the authentication token automatically from the application's config.json file, or reads it from the CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN environment variable.
Setup requires Node.js 18 or newer alongside an active CartCut instance. If the editor closes while a command is running, the bridge returns an error instead of replaying the payload. That stops the tool from corrupting your timeline with repeated edits.
What it helps with
- cut video scenes based on spoken transcript text
- generate and align captions across the project timeline
- apply clip transitions and visual effects without manual cuts
- undo automated agent edits using native desktop shortcuts
Example prompts for the agent
- Trim all silent pauses from the interview track using the transcript.
- Generate captions for the selected clip and place a zoom effect on the intro.
- Cut out the mistake around minute two and insert a crossfade transition.
How to install CartCut
Platform CLI
claude mcp add cartcut -e CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN> -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add mcp-bridge --env CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN> -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-bridge": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"
],
"env": {
"CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN": "<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"mcp-bridge": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp"
],
"env": {
"CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN": "<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN> mcp-bridge npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
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 CartCut
How to install CartCut in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add cartcut -e CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN=<CARTCUT_MCP_TOKEN> -- npx -y @cartesiancs/cartcut-mcp in your terminal. You can locate your token under the lightning bolt icon in the CartCut interface.
What does CartCut MCP server do?
It acts as a local communication bridge between your assistant and the CartCut desktop software. The agent receives tools to cut footage, adjust clips, build captions, and handle scene styling.
What happens if CartCut crashes during an operation?
The bridge reports an immediate error and refuses to resend the payload. This protects the timeline from accidental double application of edits.
