Overview
What is Bear MCP Server?
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that lets AI assistants like Claude read notes from the Bear note-taking app. It connects directly to the Bear SQLite database in strict read-only mode, ensuring notes remain unmodified.
How to use Bear MCP Server?
Install and run using npx github:bart6114/my-bear-mcp-server (recommended) or clone the repository, install dependencies, build and start. Prerequisites are macOS with Bear installed and Node.js 18+. Configure the server in your Claude Desktop or Claude VS Code Extension settings using the provided JSON snippet.
Key features of Bear MCP Server
- Read-only connection enforced at the database driver level
- Tools: open_note, search_notes, get_tags, open_tag
- Non-destructive – no writes, deletions, or modifications
- Connects directly to the local Bear SQLite database
- Works with AI assistants like Claude
Use cases of Bear MCP Server
- Search for notes containing specific terms via an AI assistant
- Retrieve a specific note by its title
- List all tags used in Bear
- Show all notes associated with a particular tag
FAQ from Bear MCP Server
Is the server read-only?
Yes. The database connection is opened with { readonly: true } and all operations are SELECT queries only. No write operations are possible.
What are the system requirements?
macOS with the Bear app installed and Node.js 18 or higher are required.
Where is my data stored?
Your notes remain in the local Bear SQLite database on your machine. The server only reads that database and does not store any data externally.
Can I modify my notes through this server?
No. The server is strictly read-only and cannot modify, delete, or corrupt your notes or tags.
How do I use a non-standard database location?
Pass the --db-path argument with the path to your database file when starting the server, e.g., npx github:bart6114/my-bear-mcp-server --db-path /path/to/database.sqlite.
