How do I install the marginalia 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 `MARGINALIA_API_KEY`, `MARGINALIA_API_URL`, `OPENROUTER_API_KEY`, `DEEPSEEK_API_KEY`, `OPENAI_API_KEY` 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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Marginalia MCP Server

Markdown vault quality scanner for Obsidian, academics, and documentation teams

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Marginalia MCP Server?

Markdown vault quality scanner for Obsidian, academics, and documentation teams

What it actually does

Zero dependencies. Pure Python. Works on any Markdown vault.

Configuration

You need Python 3.9 or newer. Check if you have it: If you don't have Python, install it from python.org/downloads — check "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

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
scan_status	Vault quality snapshot: files, tags, links, orphans, clusters, hubs
query_tags	Find files by exact tag or browse by namespace (e.g. domain/)
get_related	Outgoing links + backlinks + tag affinity for a file
list_orphans	Orphan files with suggested parent links (sibling pattern)

How to install the Marginalia MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "marginalia-mcp": {
      "command": "cmd",
      "args": ["/c", "marginalia-mcp", "--vault", "C:\\path\\to\\vault"]
    }
  }
}

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

Configuration

You need Python 3.9 or newer. Check if you have it: If you don't have Python, install it from python.org/downloads — check "Add Python to PATH" during installation.

Variable	Description	Required
MARGINALIA_API_KEY	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes
MARGINALIA_API_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes
OPENROUTER_API_KEY	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes
DEEPSEEK_API_KEY	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes
OPENAI_API_KEY	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes

Example prompts to try

“Use Marginalia to scan status.”
“Use Marginalia to query tags.”
“Use Marginalia to get related.”

Frequently asked questions

Markdown vault quality scanner for Obsidian, academics, and documentation teams Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.