ChangeThisFile — MCP server for Claude Code: file conversion
Seven file tools inside any MCP client: conversion across 1000+ routes, document translation, table extraction, and compression to an exact size.
claude mcp add --transport http mcp https://changethisfile.com/mcpWhat ChangeThisFile does
The server exposes convert_file, list_conversions, translate_file, extract_tables, compress_file, do_file_job and check_job to your agent. A conversion call takes a public source_url or base64_content up to ~5MB plus a target_format such as pdf, mp3 or json. The source format is detected from the URL or filename, and the reply carries a download link good for 1 hour.
The hosted endpoint sits at https://changethisfile.com/mcp over streamable HTTP. Clients that only speak stdio can bridge through npx -y github:aadilr/changethisfile-mcp. CTF_API_KEY is optional: without it you get 25 conversions per month per network, and past that convert_file starts asking for a key. A free verified developer key carries the same 25 monthly conversions, shared with the REST API; paid plans start at $29/month.
Files are processed server-side and deleted within 24 hours, while MCP inputs are capped at 25 MB. Translation and table extraction hand back a free preview together with a one-time checkout link for the full result. Plain-language instructions go through do_file_job, which picks conversion, translation, extraction or compression on its own.
What it helps with
- translate a PDF while keeping its layout
- pull tables out of a scanned PDF into Excel
- shrink a video to an exact size limit
- see which formats a DOCX can become
- run a file conversion from inside the agent
Example prompts for the agent
- Convert
report.docxto PDF - Extract the tables from
scan.pdfinto Excel - Compress
demo.mp4to 10 MB
How to install ChangeThisFile
Platform CLI: remote server
claude mcp add --transport http mcp https://changethisfile.com/mcpPlatform CLI: remote server
codex mcp add changethisfile --url https://changethisfile.com/mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"changethisfile": {
"url": "https://changethisfile.com/mcp"
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"changethisfile": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://changethisfile.com/mcp"
}
}
}Platform CLI: remote server
gemini mcp add -t http changethisfile https://changethisfile.com/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 ChangeThisFile
How do I install ChangeThisFile in Claude Code?
Add the remote server with claude mcp add --transport http changethisfile https://changethisfile.com/mcp. For stdio-only setups, run it locally as npx -y github:aadilr/changethisfile-mcp.
What does ChangeThisFile do?
It gives an agent seven file tools: conversion, document translation, table extraction, compression to an exact size, plain-language routing, and job status checks.
Do I need an API key?
No. Without a key you get 25 conversions per month per network. Once that runs out, a free verified developer key is required, and its 25 monthly conversions are shared with the REST API.
