How do I install the pgvector 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 `DATABASE_URL`, `MCP_PGVECTOR_READ_ONLY`, `MCP_PGVECTOR_COMMAND_TIMEOUT_SECONDS`, `PGVECTOR_DATABASE_URL` 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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Pgvector MCP Server

Similarity search, hybrid search, and index management for pgvector-backed PostgreSQL tables

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Pgvector MCP Server?

Similarity search, hybrid search, and index management for pgvector-backed PostgreSQL tables

The short version

Generic Postgres MCP servers expose raw SQL or schema introspection; this one speaks pgvector specifically — nearest-neighbor search, distance metrics, and ANN index tuning are first-class tools, not something the model has to hand-write SQL for.

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_vector_tables	Discover every vector column in the database, with its dimensionality
describe_vector_table	Columns, indexes, and approximate row count for a table
similarity_search	k-NN search over a vector column (cosine / L2 / inner product), with structured metadata filters
hybrid_search	Weighted blend of vector similarity and Postgres full-text search (ts_rank_cd)
upsert_embedding	Insert or update a row's embedding + metadata
create_vector_index	Create an HNSW or IVFFlat index with tunable parameters
explain_similarity_query	EXPLAIN ANALYZE a similarity query to confirm the ANN index is used

How to install the Pgvector MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pgvector": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-server-pgvector"],
      "env": {
        "DATABASE_URL": "postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/mydb",
        "MCP_PGVECTOR_READ_ONLY": "false",
        "MCP_PGVECTOR_COMMAND_TIMEOUT_SECONDS": "30"
      }
    }
  }
}

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

Configuration

Variable	Description	Required
DATABASE_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes
MCP_PGVECTOR_READ_ONLY	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
MCP_PGVECTOR_COMMAND_TIMEOUT_SECONDS	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
PGVECTOR_DATABASE_URL	Endpoint or connection string the server talks to.	Yes

Example prompts to try

“Use Pgvector to list vector tables.”
“Use Pgvector to describe vector table.”
“Use Pgvector to similarity search.”

Frequently asked questions

Similarity search, hybrid search, and index management for pgvector-backed PostgreSQL tables Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.