How do I install the scan 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 `INBOX_DIR`, `MCP_HTTP_HOST` 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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Scan MCP Server

Minimal MCP server for scanner capture (ADF/duplex/page-size), batching, and multipage assembly

Local serverstdio

What is the Scan MCP Server?

Minimal MCP server for scanner capture (ADF/duplex/page-size), batching, and multipage assembly

The short version

Small, typed MCP server exposing tools for device discovery and scan jobs
JSON Schema–validated inputs with deterministic, typed outputs
Smart device selection (prefers ADF/duplex, avoids camera backends), robust defaults
Local-first transports: stdio by default to keep everything on-device, optional HTTP for your own network deployments

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
list_devices	Discover connected scanners with backend details.
get_device_options	Get SANE options for a specific device.
start_scan_job	Begin a scanning job; omitting device_id triggers auto-selection and default options.
get_job_status	Inspect job state and artifact counts.
cancel_job	Request job cancellation; best effort during scan loops.
list_jobs	List recent jobs from the inbox directory.
get_manifest	Fetch a job's manifest.json.
get_events	Retrieve a job's events.jsonl log.

How to install the Scan MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "scan": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "scan-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "INBOX_DIR": "~/Documents/scanned_documents/inbox"
      }
    }
  }
}

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

Configuration

Variable	Description	Required
INBOX_DIR	Filesystem location the server is allowed to use.	Optional
MCP_HTTP_HOST	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Optional

Example prompts to try

“Use Scan to list devices.”
“Use Scan to Inputs.”
“Use Scan to get device options.”

Frequently asked questions

Minimal MCP server for scanner capture (ADF/duplex/page-size), batching, and multipage assembly Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.