How do I install the things 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 `THINGS_AUTH_TOKEN` 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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Things MCP Server

Secure MCP server for Things 3 integration

Local serverstdio

What is the Things MCP Server?

Secure MCP server for Things 3 integration

What you get

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for Things 3 integration. Enables Claude Desktop and Claude Code to interact with Things 3 on macOS.

Create to-dos and projects with full metadata
Update existing to-dos and projects
List items from any Things list (Inbox, Today, Logbook, Trash, etc.)
Retrieve all projects, areas, and tags
Navigate to specific items or lists
Search within Things

Configuration and credentials

macOS with Things 3 installed - Node.js 18 or later - Things URL scheme enabled (automatic on first use)

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
things_add_todo	Create a to-do with all options
things_add_project	Create a project with sections (headings), todos, and hierarchical organization
things_update_todo	Update an existing to-do using JSON API for full feature support
things_update_project	Update an existing project using JSON API for full feature support
things_add_items_to_project	Add structured todos and headings to an existing project
things_get_inbox	List inbox items
things_get_today	List today's items
things_get_upcoming	List scheduled items
things_get_anytime	List anytime items
things_get_someday	List someday items
things_get_logbook	List completed items
things_get_trash	List trashed items
things_get_projects	List all active projects
things_get_areas	List all areas
things_get_tags	List all tags
things_get_project	List items in a specific project (requires project_id)
things_get_area	List items in a specific area (requires area_id)
things_get_list	Get items from a specific list by name
things_get_todo_details	Get detailed information about a specific to-do
things_show	Navigate to item or list

How to install the Things MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "things-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "github:hildersantos/things-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "THINGS_AUTH_TOKEN": "YOUR_THINGS_AUTH_TOKEN"
      }
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Configuration

macOS with Things 3 installed - Node.js 18 or later - Things URL scheme enabled (automatic on first use)

Variable	Description	Required
THINGS_AUTH_TOKEN	Declared in the maintainer’s client configuration.	Check documentation

Example prompts to try

“Use Things MCP to things add todo.”
“Use Things MCP to things add project.”
“Use Things MCP to things update todo.”

Frequently asked questions

Secure MCP server for Things 3 integration Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.