Set up Anecnote MCP on Mac

Anecnote includes a local Model Context Protocol (MCP) helper. Connecting it lets a compatible AI client search, read, and—if you allow it—update your Anecnote library.

Before you start

• Install the current macOS version of Anecnote.
• Install an MCP-compatible client, such as Codex or Claude Desktop.
• Open Anecnote at least once so its local data and settings are available.

1. Choose an access level

1. In Anecnote, open Settings and select MCP.
2. Under MCP Access, choose the level that suits you:
   • Disabled: clients can connect but cannot access notes.
   • Read-only: clients can search, read, list, and open notes, but cannot change the library.
   • Read & write: clients can also create, update, append to, and delete notes. Deleting requires an explicit confirmation value in the MCP request, so use this mode only with a client you trust.

Read-only is a good default when you are first trying the integration.

2. Check the helper

In the same MCP settings screen, the Status section should say MCP helper is installed. Click Validate MCP Setup; a successful check confirms that the bundled helper is present, executable, and able to access Anecnote's shared settings.

3. Add Anecnote to your MCP client

Still in Anecnote's MCP settings, choose your client in the Client Setup section. Anecnote shows the exact executable path for this installation, so use the copy button rather than typing a path by hand.

Codex

1. Select Codex.
2. Click Copy Codex Command and run the copied command in Terminal. It adds an MCP server named anecnote.
3. Alternatively, click Copy Config Snippet and add the snippet to your Codex configuration.
4. Restart Codex, or start a new task, so it reloads its MCP configuration.

Claude Desktop or another MCP client

1. Select Claude or Generic.
2. Click Copy JSON Snippet.
3. Add the snippet to your client's MCP configuration, then restart that client.

Anecnote's server uses local standard input/output. It does not need command-line arguments, an API key, or environment variables.

4. Test it

Ask your client to list or search your Anecnote notes. In read-only mode, try a request such as “Search my Anecnote notes for project ideas.” If you enabled read & write access, try creating a small test note, then confirm it appears in Anecnote.

Troubleshooting

• The helper is not found: update or reinstall Anecnote, then return to Settings → MCP and run validation again.
• The client cannot see Anecnote tools: confirm the config uses the executable path copied from Anecnote, then restart the client.
• Requests are rejected: check MCP Access in Anecnote. Disabled blocks all note access; Read-only blocks changes.
• You moved or reinstalled Anecnote: copy the client setup command or snippet again, because the helper path may have changed.