GIMP Agent MCP — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects AI coding agents to GIMP 3 for layered image editing, pixel inspections, and automated sprite packing. It preserves your layer hierarchy and exports native XCF files.
claude mcp add --env GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON=<GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON> --transport stdio gimp-agent-mcp -- uvx gimp-agent-mcpWhat GIMP Agent MCP does
This MCP server translates agent actions into GIMP 3 commands directly inside an active GUI window or headlessly. The agent can modify text layers, measure alpha channels, and generate texture atlases. Edits on a single image group into one undo step. A single Ctrl+Z reverts everything.
Prerequisites include GIMP 3.2.x, Python 3.11+, and uv on the local machine. The bridge starts from the GIMP interface under Filters → Development → Start Agent Bridge. Because the server requires a local GIMP process, remote setups without GIMP installed will fail immediately. An optional segmentation module handles local background removal.
What it helps with
- update text layers on graphic assets without rasterizing them
- convert illustration artwork into Telegram stickers with borders
- assemble animation frames into sprite sheets with JSON data
- process image batches headlessly without opening editor windows
Example prompts for the agent
- Update the headline on this graphic while preserving text layers and grouping the edits into one undo step.
- Turn this transparent image into a 512x512 Telegram sticker with a white outline and drop shadow.
- Pack these frames into a sprite sheet, export the master XCF, and verify the atlas JSON.
How to install GIMP Agent MCP
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON=<GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON> --transport stdio gimp-agent-mcp -- uvx gimp-agent-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from gimp-agent-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add gimp-agent-mcp --env GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON=<GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON> -- uvx gimp-agent-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from gimp-agent-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"gimp-agent-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"gimp-agent-mcp"
],
"env": {
"GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON": "<GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from gimp-agent-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"gimp-agent-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"gimp-agent-mcp"
],
"env": {
"GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON": "<GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from gimp-agent-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON=<GIMP_AGENT_ALLOW_PYTHON> gimp-agent-mcp uvx gimp-agent-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from gimp-agent-mcp <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 GIMP Agent MCP
How to install GIMP Agent MCP in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add gimp-agent-mcp -- uvx gimp-agent-mcp in your terminal to register the server.
What does GIMP Agent MCP do?
It allows assistants to manipulate GIMP 3 documents, inspect pixel data, run procedural filters, and export editable XCF files.
What are the requirements for GIMP Agent MCP?
You need GIMP 3.2.x, Python 3.11+, and uv installed locally on the same computer as your MCP client.
