MCP Bar

What is MCP Bar?

MCP Bar is a command-line interface (CLI) tool for installing, managing, and discovering Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. It features an open registry of over 1500 pre-configured servers and introduces a standardized manifest format (mcp.json) that enables decentralized distribution of server definitions across URLs, local files, or package aliases.

How to use MCP Bar?

Install MCP Bar globally using npm install -g mcpbar. After installation, you can use commands such as mcpbar install (with a URL, file path, or package alias), mcpbar remove, mcpbar list, mcpbar search, mcpbar edit (to open client configuration files), and mcpbar start (to run a server in standalone mode). The CLI provides interactive prompts for easy configuration.

Key features of MCP Bar

• Simple installation and management of MCP servers
• User-friendly CLI with interactive prompts
• Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Search, install, disable, and enable servers with ease
• Supports multiple MCP clients (Claude, Cline, Cursor, Windsurf, Witsy, and more)
• Standardized manifest format for decentralized distribution
• Open registry with over 1500 ready-to-use MCP servers

Use cases of MCP Bar

• Discover and install MCP servers from the open registry with one command
• Manage MCP server configurations across different AI tools and clients
• Share custom MCP servers by hosting their manifest files anywhere
• Quickly set up or migrate MCP server workflows using aliases or URLs

FAQ from MCP Bar

What does MCP Bar do that alternatives don’t?

MCP Bar standardizes MCP server management with a manifest format similar to package.json in npm, supports decentralized hosting, and includes an open registry with over 1500 servers, while also securely handling sensitive inputs.

Do I need any additional runtime to use MCP Bar?

Yes, MCP Bar requires Node.js and npm (to install the tool). The installed servers can run via npx, uvx, or docker depending on their manifest configuration.

Where are MCP servers stored after installation?

The README does not specify the exact file location, but servers are configured in MCP client configuration files (e.g., Claude, Cursor, Windsurf). The registry data resides in the registry directory of the MCP Bar repository.

What MCP clients are supported?

MCP Bar supports multiple clients, including Claude, Cline, Cursor, Windsurf, and Witsy.

How does the manifest format work?

Manifests follow a standardized mcp.json format that specifies the server’s command, arguments, environment variables, and sensitive inputs. They can be hosted anywhere (URLs, local files, or package aliases) and are resolved during installation.