Quick start

Note
These steps install the .NET build of the server — the only platform available today. Java, Python, and Node.js builds are planned; each will get its own install section under its platform. Platform-independent material (tools, use cases, licensing) lives here and applies to all of them.

Install and register the GroupDocs.Viewer MCP server in Claude Desktop, VS Code, Cursor, or any MCP client in three commands with the guided installer — then verify the setup automatically:

git clone https://github.com/groupdocs/GroupDocs.Mcp.Installer.git
cd GroupDocs.Mcp.Installer

# wizard: products, channel, clients, folders, license
./install-groupdocs-mcp.ps1 -Interactive
# preview - prints everything, changes nothing
./install-groupdocs-mcp.ps1 -DryRun
# apply + warm caches + verify the setup in one go
./install-groupdocs-mcp.ps1 -Verify

Then restart your AI client (Claude Desktop, VS Code, Cursor, …) so it picks up the new server.

Your first prompt

Put a document you want to look at (say report.pdf) into the storage folder you chose, then ask your agent:

Show me page 1 of report.pdf

The agent calls render_page and gets the page back as a PNG image it can look at, and a copy is saved to your output folder as report_page1.png. The document never leaves your machine.

Where to go next

  • Fresh machine? Follow your OS page — it includes the prerequisite bootstrap: Windows · Linux · macOS
  • Manual or single-client install (exact JSON per client): Register in AI clients
  • Docker-only shop: run ./install-groupdocs-mcp.ps1 -EmitCompose -Clients @() to generate a docker-compose.yml instead of client registration — see Configuration.
  • Licensing: the server works in evaluation mode out of the box; your existing GroupDocs.Viewer license applies — Licensing.