MCP File Tools — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Detects non-UTF-8 encodings from raw bytes, serves UTF-8 to the model, and writes changes back in the original format. Useful for legacy Delphi, VB6, or old INI files.
Open on GitHubWhat MCP File Tools does
This server handles text files that do not use UTF-8. It inspects raw bytes rather than file extensions to identify the character set. The model receives plain UTF-8 for its work. When changes are written back, the tool restores the original encoding. Byte order marks and CRLF line endings remain intact.
The toolset covers 45 encodings, including legacy Windows and Cyrillic charsets. It provides detect_encoding, edit_file, grep_text_files, and search_files. The detection command returns the charset name, a confidence score, and BOM status. Every path and symlink is checked against permitted folders. Outside directories stay blocked.
Claude Code requires Node.js 18 or later on your PATH to launch this server. Without Node present, the server status will stay disconnected.
What it helps with
- inspect non-UTF-8 files like CP1251 or UTF-16 without corrupting characters
- edit Delphi and VB6 source code while keeping the original charset
- search legacy encoded documents using
grep_text_files - preserve CRLF line endings and BOM markers during file saves
Example prompts for the agent
- Check the encoding of
config.iniwithdetect_encodingand show the confidence score. - Search for the string 'Connection Error' across legacy files using
grep_text_files. - Open
main.pas, update the window title to 'Settings', and save it preserving the original charset.
How to install MCP File Tools
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 MCP File Tools
How to install MCP File Tools in Claude Code?
Run claude plugin marketplace add dimitar-grigorov/mcp-file-tools in your terminal, then install the package with claude plugin install mcp-file-tools. Node.js 18+ must be available on your PATH.
What does MCP File Tools do?
It allows AI assistants to read and edit non-UTF-8 text files such as CP1251, KOI8, or UTF-16. The server identifies charsets from raw bytes and writes edits back using the original encoding, BOM, and line endings.
Does the server restrict filesystem access?
Yes, it operates in a sandbox. All paths, including symlinks and directory junctions, must reside inside the explicitly permitted folders.
