FocusRelay — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Native Swift server connecting AI assistants to OmniFocus 4 on macOS. It helps process inboxes, query tasks, and update projects without opening the app manually.
Open on GitHubWhat FocusRelay does
FocusRelay is a native Swift bridge between AI tools and OmniFocus 4 on Apple silicon Macs. It interacts with tasks through an internal Omni Automation plug-in. Because the runtime is compiled Swift, the tool skips heavy runtimes like Node.js or Python entirely.
The server exposes nine specific tools to the model. Seven handle search and counting, while two apply modifications to existing tasks and projects. Assistants can inspect inbox items, evaluate stalled projects, and update due dates. Every update checks stable record IDs and verifies the final state.
The current release cannot create or delete items. You can only inspect and modify entries that already exist in your database.
What it helps with
- process OmniFocus inbox items in structured batches
- identify stalled projects and adjust review schedules
- change due dates, flags, and notes on existing tasks
- count pending tasks matching specific tags or states
Example prompts for the agent
- Show the first three available tasks in my OmniFocus inbox.
- Find the task named Prepare budget, mark it flagged, and verify the update.
- Start the inbox review workflow using
/focusrelay:process_inbox.
How to install FocusRelay
Install
The MCP registry has no launch command for it: see the repository README
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 FocusRelay
How do I install FocusRelay for Claude Code?
Install the formula via Homebrew by running brew tap deverman/focus-relay, then brew trust --formula deverman/focus-relay/focusrelay, followed by brew install focusrelay. Next, run focusrelay setup to install the internal OmniFocus plug-in and display client configuration flags.
What does FocusRelay do?
It enables AI assistants to inspect tasks, process inbox items, and modify existing entries in OmniFocus 4. Supported actions include changing due dates, toggling flags, moving items, and tracking stalled projects.
Can FocusRelay create brand new tasks?
No, the current release only reads and modifies existing items. Adding new tasks and deleting entries are unsupported operations right now.
