# Connect to ShipStation MCP Server

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables AI assistants to interact with the ShipStation API through a standardized interface. This guide shows you how to connect the ShipStation MCP server to popular AI development tools.

Development Status
The ShipStation MCP server is currently in preview. Connection methods and available tools may change as we finalize the implementation.

## Prerequisites

Before connecting to the MCP server, ensure you have:

- A valid ShipStation API key
- One of the supported AI tools installed (Claude Code, Cursor, or VS Code)


Important
Keep your API credentials secure. Never commit configuration files containing credentials to version control.

## Setup Instructions 

Claude Code
Claude Code is Anthropic's official CLI tool that provides direct access to Claude with MCP server support.

### Setup Steps

1. Add the ShipStation MCP server using the following command:



```bash
claude mcp add --transport http shipstation-api https://docs.shipstation.com/mcp
```

1. Verify the connection by typing `/mcp` in the Claude Code CLI
2. Complete authentication if prompted
3. Once connected, you'll see available ShipStation API tools listed with their descriptions and parameters


TIP
Use the `/mcp` command anytime to view available tools and their current status.

Cursor
Cursor is an AI-powered code editor with built-in MCP support.

### Setup Steps

1. Open the command palette:
  - **macOS**: `Command + Shift + P`
  - **Windows/Linux**: `Ctrl + Shift + P`
2. Select **"Open MCP settings"**
3. Choose **"Add custom MCP"**
4. Configure your `mcp.json` file with the ShipStation server details:



```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shipstation": {
      "url": "https://docs.shipstation.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Basic YOUR_ENCODED_CREDENTIALS"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Authentication
Replace `YOUR_ENCODED_CREDENTIALS` with your Base64-encoded ShipStation API credentials in the format `apiKey:apiSecret`.

1. Save the configuration and restart Cursor if prompted
2. Verify the connection by attempting to use ShipStation API tools in your AI chat


VS Code
VS Code can connect to MCP servers with AI assistant extensions that support MCP.

### Setup Steps

1. In VS Code, open the command palette:
  - **macOS**: `Command + Shift + P`
  - **Windows/Linux**: `Ctrl + Shift + P`
2. Type **"MCP: Add Server"** in the command palette
3. Select **"HTTP"** to connect to a remote MCP server
4. Enter the MCP server URL:

```
https://docs.shipstation.com/mcp
```
5. Enter a name for the connection (for example, "ShipStation")


If the MCP server requires authentication, VS Code prompts you to open a sign-in page. Complete the sign-in flow with your ShipStation API credentials.

## Verification

After connecting to the MCP server, verify the setup by:

1. Opening your AI assistant interface
2. Asking it to list available ShipStation tools
3. Testing a simple query, such as retrieving order information


If you encounter connection issues, check that:

- Your API credentials are correct and properly encoded
- Your network allows HTTPS connections to docs.shipstation.com
- You're using the latest version of your AI tool


## Available Tools

Once connected, the MCP server provides tools for:

- Searching and retrieving orders
- Managing shipments and labels
- Accessing carrier information
- Working with products and inventory
- And more


Use your AI assistant's natural language interface to discover and use these tools.