Getting StartedMCP Install Link Generator

Respira MCP Server Setup

Connect the Respira MCP server to your AI assistant: dashboard-generated config, one-line install commands, and ready setup prompts for Cursor, Codex, and Claude Code.

This page is specifically for the standalone Respira MCP server install flow.

If you want the official WordPress-native adapter path, see WordPress AI Stack Compatibility. If you want the Elementor browser path, see Elementor Angie.

Using Claude Desktop or claude.ai? The simplest path is to connect by URL with a one-time browser sign-in. No API key, no file. See Connect Claude Desktop (OAuth).

Overview

This page explains how to install the Respira WordPress MCP server. Recommended path is the account dashboard MCP setup flow.

Quick Install Methods

Method 1: One-command install with add-mcp (Quickest)

npx add-mcp "npx -y @respira/wordpress-mcp-server"

Auto-detects your AI client and writes the MCP config. Set WORDPRESS_URL and WORDPRESS_API_KEY env vars afterward.

Go to respira.press → Dashboard → MCP Setup and choose one:

  • Download client config
  • Copy one-time install command
  • Copy AI setup prompt

Supported generated client formats:

  • Cursor
  • Codex
  • Claude Code

Connect Claude Desktop, claude.ai, ChatGPT or Cursor (browser sign-in)

These apps connect by URL, with no API key. In the app, add a custom connector and paste your site's MCP URL:

https://YOUR-SITE.com/wp-json/respira/v1/mcp

Then:

  • Paste the URL in the URL field only.
  • Leave Client ID and Client Secret blank. You do not need them — Respira registers the connector and signs you in automatically.
  • Do not paste your site API key into the connector. The key is only for tools that explicitly ask for one (Claude Code, n8n, custom scripts), never for a browser connector.
  • A tab opens on respira.press to sign in and approve. Approve it, and the tools appear.

If the sign-in tab opens a "page not found" on your own site's address (for example https://your-site.com/authorize), a Client ID was filled in by mistake. Clear the Client ID and Client Secret fields, remove the site key if you pasted it there, and reconnect. Sign-in always happens on respira.press, never on your own WordPress site — there is no /authorize page there by design.

Method 2: Interactive Setup Wizard

The fastest and easiest way to get started:

npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --setup

The setup wizard will:

  • Guide you through configuration step-by-step
  • Validate your WordPress URL and API key
  • Test your connection before saving
  • Generate the config file automatically
  • Show you what to add to your AI tool

Method 3: npm Installation

Install globally:

npm install -g @respira/wordpress-mcp-server

Or run without installing:

npx -y @respira/wordpress-mcp-server

CLI Options

npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --setup   # Run setup wizard
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --doctor   # Diagnose connection, auth, and config issues
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --list    # List configured sites
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --test    # Test connection to default site
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --help    # Show help

License Requirements

The MCP server requires a valid license and API key. The install link only adds the MCP server entry to your MCP client—it does not activate or configure the WordPress connection.

You must still:

  • Have an active Respira license or trial
  • Install and connect Respira plugin on your WordPress site
  • Keep your generated config/token secure

Manual Configuration

If you prefer manual setup, create a configuration file at ~/.respira/config.json:

{
  "sites": [
    {
      "id": "my-site",
      "name": "My WordPress Site",
      "url": "https://your-wordpress-site.com",
      "apiKey": "respira_your-api-key-here",
      "default": true
    }
  ]
}

Then configure your AI assistant:

Cursor

Add to .cursor/mcp.json in your project root:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "respira-wordpress": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@respira/wordpress-mcp-server"]
    }
  }
}

Codex

Add to Codex MCP configuration:

[mcp_servers.respira-wordpress]
command = "npx"
args = ["-y", "@respira/wordpress-mcp-server"]

Claude Code

Add to ~/.claude.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "respira-wordpress": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@respira/wordpress-mcp-server"]
    }
  }
}

Claude Cowork

Install the plugin in Cowork: open Customize > Plugins, click the Personal tab, then + > Add marketplace > Add from a repository and enter respira-press/cowork-plugin-wordpress, then Sync > Install and Continue on the "local MCP servers" notice. (On Claude Code: /plugin marketplace add respira-press/cowork-plugin-wordpress.) Then click Connect Cowork on the respira.press dashboard: a fresh Cowork chat opens with a one-time setup token pre-filled, hit send, and Claude redeems the token so the MCP server writes ~/.respira/config.json for you. No file download, no folder hunting. If you already use Respira through Claude Desktop, the config file is already on your machine and Cowork picks it up on the next chat. See the full Cowork configuration guide.

Windsurf

Add to your Windsurf MCP configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "respira-wordpress": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@respira/wordpress-mcp-server"]
    }
  }
}

An MCP install link uses a URL format recognized by Cursor and Claude Desktop. When you click a link:

  1. Your browser opens the deep link
  2. Cursor or Claude Desktop detects the installation request
  3. A new MCP server entry is added to your MCP settings
  4. You may need to restart your client for the new server to activate

These setup flows add the MCP server reference. Site auth and site inventory are still enforced by your connected Respira account/config.

Next Steps

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