> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.picaos.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Claude Desktop
> Set up Pica's MCP Server with Claude Desktop
## Overview
Claude Desktop is Anthropic's desktop application that supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP). By integrating Pica's MCP Server with Claude Desktop, you can execute actions on 200+ third-party integrations, generate integration code, and get insights about how integrations workâall through natural conversation with Claude.
Get the latest version of Claude Desktop from Anthropic
## Prerequisites
Before setting up, make sure you have:
1. **Claude Desktop Installed** - Download [here](https://claude.ai/download)
2. **Pica Account** - Create a [free account](https://app.picaos.com)
3. **Pica API Key** - Get from [Settings > API Keys](https://app.picaos.com/settings/api-keys)
4. **Connected Integrations** - Connect at least one integration from the [Connections page](https://app.picaos.com/connections)
## Installation
Find your Claude Desktop configuration file:
**On MacOS:**
```
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
```
**On Windows:**
```
%APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
```
If the file doesn't exist, create it in the appropriate directory.
Open the `claude_desktop_config.json` file and add the following configuration:
```json theme={null}
{
"mcpServers": {
"pica": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@picahq/mcp"],
"env": {
"PICA_SECRET": "your-pica-secret-key"
}
}
}
}
```
Replace `your-pica-secret-key` with your actual Pica API key.
Make sure to keep your API key secure. Never share the config file publicly.
Close and reopen Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect.
Start a new conversation in Claude and ask:
```
What connections do I have access to?
```
If configured correctly, Claude will list your connected Pica integrations.
## What You Can Do
Once set up, you can use Claude to interact with your integrations in three main ways:
### Execute Actions Directly
Ask Claude to perform actions on your connected platforms:
* "Get my last 5 emails from Gmail"
* "Send an email to [hello@picaos.com](mailto:hello@picaos.com) with subject 'Hello'"
* "Search my emails for messages from John"
* "Create a meeting tomorrow at 2pm"
* "Show my calendar events for this week"
* "Find free time slots on Friday"
* "Send a message to #general: 'Meeting in 10 minutes'"
* "List all channels in my Slack workspace"
* "Post an update to the #announcements channel"
* "Create a lead in Salesforce for Jane Doe at Acme Corp"
* "Show me recent leads from HubSpot"
* "Update the status of contact ID 12345"
## Advanced Configuration
### Using Docker
If you prefer running the MCP server in Docker, you can configure Claude Desktop to use a Docker container instead of the NPX command.
**Step 1: Build the Docker image**
First, build the Pica MCP Server Docker image:
```bash theme={null}
docker build -t pica-mcp-server .
```
Or pull from the repository if available.
**Step 2: Configure Claude Desktop**
Update your Claude Desktop configuration file:
**On MacOS:** `~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
**On Windows:** `%APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
```json theme={null}
{
"mcpServers": {
"pica": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run",
"--rm",
"-i",
"-e", "PICA_SECRET=YOUR_PICA_SECRET_KEY",
"pica-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}
```
Replace `YOUR_PICA_SECRET_KEY` with your actual Pica API key.
### Using Local Build
For development or custom modifications:
```json theme={null}
{
"mcpServers": {
"pica": {
"command": "node",
"args": [
"/path/to/pica-mcp-server/build/index.js"
],
"env": {
"PICA_SECRET": "YOUR_PICA_SECRET_KEY"
}
}
}
}
```
## Troubleshooting
**Problem**: Claude doesn't respond to integration-related questions.
**Solutions**:
1. Verify the config file path is correct
2. Check that the JSON syntax is valid
3. Ensure your API key is correct
4. Restart Claude Desktop completely
5. Check Claude's developer console for errors (if available)
**Problem**: Getting 401 or authentication errors.
**Solutions**:
1. Verify your API key at [Settings > API Keys](https://app.picaos.com/settings/api-keys)
2. Check that integrations are connected at [Connections](https://app.picaos.com/connections)
3. Ensure connections haven't expired
4. Try re-authenticating the integration
**Problem**: Claude says no connections are available.
**Solutions**:
1. Connect integrations at [app.picaos.com/connections](https://app.picaos.com/connections)
2. Verify connections are active (not expired or revoked)
3. Check that your API key has access to the connections
4. Restart Claude Desktop after connecting
**Problem**: Claude can't execute actions on platforms.
**Solutions**:
1. Ask Claude to check action requirements first
2. Verify all required parameters are provided
3. Check connection permissions for the action
4. Look for rate limits or API restrictions
5. Test the action in the Pica dashboard first
## Tips for Better Results
Instead of "send an email," say "send an email to [john@example.com](mailto:john@example.com) with subject 'Meeting' and body 'Let's meet tomorrow at 2pm'"
Start conversations with "What connections do I have?" to see what's available
For complex actions, ask "What parameters does \[action] require?" before executing
When asking for code, specify:
* Framework/language (React, Next.js, etc.)
* UI requirements
* Error handling needs
* Authentication approach
Start with simple actions before building complex workflows
## Next Steps
Explore all 200+ available integrations and their actions
General setup instructions for other MCP clients
Learn about the underlying Pica APIs
View source code and contribute
## Get Help
Have questions? Email us at [support@picaos.com](mailto:support@picaos.com) for assistance