How to install MCP servers in Cursor (mcp.json guide)

Add local and remote MCP servers to Cursor with ~/.cursor/mcp.json or a project .cursor/mcp.json, with examples.

Where Cursor reads MCP config

Cursor reads ~/.cursor/mcp.json for servers available in every project, and .cursor/mcp.json inside a project folder for that project only. You can also install and manage servers from Cursor’s Customize page, including one-click installs from the Cursor Marketplace.

Add a local (stdio) server

The format is the same mcpServers object that Claude Desktop uses:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "fetch": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-server-fetch"]
    }
  }
}

Add a remote server

For hosted servers, give a URL instead of a command:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "context7": {
      "url": "https://mcp.context7.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Use it

Save the file. Check on the Customize page that the server is listed with its tools, then ask the Agent in chat to use it.

One-click install

Many READMEs include an “Add to Cursor” button that fills this in for you.