How do I install the iterm 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.

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Iterm MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol server that provides access to the currently active tab of iTerm

Local serverstdio

What is the Iterm MCP Server?

Iterm MCP lets Claude, Cursor and other MCP clients work with Iterm MCP directly. A Model Context Protocol server that provides access to the currently active tab of iTerm.

What Iterm MCP does

On macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json On Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Requirements

iTerm2 must be running * Node version 18 or greater

Practical notes

Maintained by lite.

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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
write_to_terminal	Writes to the active iTerm terminal, often used to run a command. Returns the number of lines of output produced by the command.
read_terminal_output	Reads the requested number of lines from the active iTerm terminal.
send_control_character	Sends a control character to the active iTerm terminal.

How to install the Iterm MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "iterm-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "iterm-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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

Configuration

iTerm2 must be running * Node version 18 or greater

Example prompts to try

“Use Iterm MCP to write to terminal.”
“Use Iterm MCP to read terminal output.”
“Use Iterm MCP to send control character.”

Frequently asked questions

A Model Context Protocol server that provides access to the currently active tab of iTerm Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.