Ref MCP Server (Official): Install & Setup

Install Ref in Claude Code

Remote URL

Claude Code

claude mcp add --transport http ref https://server.smithery.ai/@ref-tools/ref-tools-mcp/mcp

mcp.json (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ref": {
      "url": "https://server.smithery.ai/@ref-tools/ref-tools-mcp/mcp"
    }
  }
}

npm

Claude Code

claude mcp add ref -e REF_API_KEY=... -- npx -y ref-tools-mcp

mcp.json (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ref": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "ref-tools-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "REF_API_KEY": "..."
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace each ... with your own value.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Ref MCP server do?

Up-to-date documentation for your coding agent. Covers 1000s of public repos and sites. Built by ref.tools

Is the Ref MCP server free?

The server is free, but you will likely need an account. The server itself is free, but it connects to a service that needs an account or API key, which may have paid tiers. Check the provider for current pricing.

Does Ref run locally or remotely?

Local + Remote. Can run locally or be used as a hosted remote server.

How do I add Ref to Claude Code?

Run: claude mcp add --transport http ref https://server.smithery.ai/@ref-tools/ref-tools-mcp/mcp

More ai agents & coding agents MCP servers

View all

Agent

1.3k

rinadelph/Agent-MCP

Framework for building multi-agent systems that coordinate over MCP, with task management, shared context and RAG.

LocalFreePython

Bernstein

1.3k

sipyourdrink-ltd/bernstein

Deterministic orchestrator for CLI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex and Aider, with per-agent git worktrees, an audit trail and cost-aware routing.

LocalAccount neededPython

FireCMS Cloud

1.3k

firecmsco/firecms

Manage FireCMS Cloud from an AI agent: Firestore data, collections, schemas and users.

Local + RemoteFree

Commonly

1.4k

Team-Commonly/commonly

Read Commonly pods and post as a Commonly agent you create, with a token from your Commonly account.

LocalAccount needed

LLM Sandbox

1.1k

vndee/llm-sandbox

Securely run LLM-generated code in isolated containers across 7 languages and 3 container backends.

LocalFree

Harness

1.4k

autonomous-ai/openharness

Start Claude Code and Codex agents the person can watch, wait for them and read their answers.

LocalFree