How do I install the gemini mcp mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `GEMINI_API_KEY`, `GEMINI_IMAGE_OUTPUT_DIR` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Gemini MCP Server

Integrate search grounded Gemini output into your workflow.

Local serverstdioGo

What is the Gemini MCP Server?

Integrate search grounded Gemini output into your workflow.

What it actually does

I've been running this MCP server in my Claude Desktop setup for months. It's one of the few I leave on permanently — not because Gemini replaces Claude, but because grounded search, image generation, SVG diagrams, and video are things Gemini does genuinely well. Having them as tools inside Claude beats switching browser tabs.

Configuration

Node.js 18+ - A Gemini API key from Google AI Studio - ffmpeg (optional, for video thumbnail extraction)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
gemini_chat	Chat with Gemini 3.1 Pro. Google Search grounding on by default. Supports thinking_level
gemini_deep_research	Multi-step iterative research with Google Search. Synthesises comprehensive reports
gemini_list_models	Lists available models from the Gemini API
gemini_help	Documentation for all features without leaving Claude
gemini_prompt_assistant	Expert guidance for image generation with 9 chart design systems
generate_image	Image generation with optional search grounding. Full-res saved to disk
edit_image	Edit images with natural-language instructions. Multi-turn continuity via thought signatures
describe_image	Fast image descriptions using Gemini 3 Flash
analyze_image	Structured extraction and analysis using Gemini 3.1 Pro
load_image_from_path	Read a local image file and return base64 for any image tool
generate_video	Video generation with Veo 3.1 — 4-8 seconds at up to 4K with native audio
generate_svg	Production-ready SVG: diagrams, illustrations, icons, data visualisations
generate_landing_page	Self-contained HTML landing pages with inline CSS/JS

How to install the Gemini MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "gemini": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@houtini/gemini-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "GEMINI_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration as documented by the project. Restart the client after saving.

Configuration

Node.js 18+ - A Gemini API key from Google AI Studio - ffmpeg (optional, for video thumbnail extraction)

Variable	Description	Required
GEMINI_API_KEY	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes
GEMINI_IMAGE_OUTPUT_DIR	Filesystem location the server is allowed to use.	Optional

Example prompts to try

“Use Gemini MCP to gemini chat.”
“Use Gemini MCP to gemini deep research.”
“Use Gemini MCP to gemini list models.”

Frequently asked questions

Integrate search grounded Gemini output into your workflow. Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.