Overview
What is Processing MCP Server?
Processing MCP Server is an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that enables AI assistants to create and run Processing sketches directly through natural language commands. It is designed for developers, artists, and hobbyists who want to generate visual art, animations, and games using AI conversation.
How to use Processing MCP Server?
Clone the repository, install the fastmcp dependency via uv or pip, then configure the Claude Desktop app by adding the server’s command and environment variables (PROCESSING_PATH and PROCESSING_SAVE_LOCATION) to the claude_desktop_config.json file. Restart Claude and ask the AI to create a sketch using the run_processing_java_cli tool.
Key features of Processing MCP Server
- Create and run Processing sketches from AI conversations
- Automatically saves sketches with timestamps
- Configurable Processing executable path and save location
- Simple tool interface for AI assistants
- Includes 6 ready-to-run demo sketches
Use cases of Processing MCP Server
- Generate simple animations such as a bouncing ball or clock
- Build interactive particle effects that follow the mouse
- Create playable mini-games like Snake or Pong
- Produce generative art with 3D shapes or wave patterns
FAQ from Processing MCP Server
What tools does Processing MCP Server provide?
It provides run_processing_java_cli to create and run a sketch, and get_processing_config to return the current server configuration.
What are the dependencies and runtime requirements?
Python 3.8+, the fastmcp package, Processing installed on the system, and the Claude Desktop app. The server can be run via uv or pip.
How do I configure the Processing path and save location?
Set the PROCESSING_PATH and PROCESSING_SAVE_LOCATION environment variables, or add them under env in the Claude Desktop configuration file. Defaults are processing (system PATH) and ~/Documents/Processing/sketches.
What if I get a "Processing executable not found" error?
Ensure Processing is installed, verify the path in your configuration is correct, use double backslashes (\\) on Windows, and on macOS point to the executable inside the .app bundle.
Where are sketches saved, and are they timestamped?
Sketches are saved to the directory specified by PROCESSING_SAVE_LOCATION (default ~/Documents/Processing/sketches) with timestamps automatically added to filenames.
