macOS Automator
About
Run AppleScript and JXA scripts to automate tasks on macOS.
Details
- Author
- steipete
- Categories
- Productivity, Other
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Setup
Install macOS Automator in your MCP client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and others).
Repository: https://github.com/steipete/macos-automator-mcp
Follow the installation instructions in the repository README, then restart your MCP client.
macOS Automator MCP 🤖 — Give your agent a Mac to operate
macOS Automator MCP is a Model Context Protocol server that lets MCP clients discover and run AppleScript or JavaScript for Automation (JXA). It is for agents that need to control macOS applications, inspect the system, or reuse scripts from a bundled knowledge base.
You need macOS and Node.js 24 or newer. Add the server to your MCP client's configuration;npxdownloads the current npm release when the client starts it.
{ "mcpServers": { "macos_automator": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "--package", "@steipete/macos-automator-mcp", "macos-automator-mcp"] } } }
If your client has a separate package field, use@steipete/macos-automator-mcpwithout@latest.
Restart your MCP client after adding the configuration. First, ask it to callget_scripting_tipswith a small search:
{ "search_term": "Safari front tab URL", "limit": 3 }
Then verify script execution with a read-only inline script throughexecute_script:
{ "script_content": "return \"Hello from macOS Automator\"" }
The result isHello from macOS Automator. Calls that control applications or the user interface may prompt for macOS permissions.
Useget_scripting_tipsbefore writing a script from scratch. A returned runnable ID can be passed toexecute_scriptaskb_script_id; scripts with placeholders accept namedinput_dataor positionalarguments.
execute_scriptruns with the privileges of the process hosting the MCP server. Only run scripts you trust, and inspect generated scripts before allowing destructive actions. See thetool referencefor every input and response option.
The application that launches the MCP server—such as Terminal, an editor, or a desktop MCP client—owns its macOS privacy permissions:
- GrantAutomationaccess when scripts control Finder, Safari, Mail, or another application.
- GrantAccessibilityaccess when scripts use System Events for clicks, keystrokes, menus, or other UI scripting.
macOS may show a first-use prompt for each target application. The server cannot grant these permissions itself. Seeconfiguration and permissionsfor setup and common error codes.
The package includes hundreds of AppleScript and JXA tips covering system tasks, files, browsers, terminals, productivity apps, developer tools, and UI automation. Search by keyword or category, then execute a result by its runnable ID.
A local knowledge base can add or override bundled tips without changing the package. It defaults to~/.macos-automator/knowledge_base; seeconfiguration and permissionsfor its layout and override rules.
lazyloads the knowledge base on first use;eagerloads it at server startup. More detail is inconfiguration and permissions.
- Permission errors such as-1743or-10004usually mean the host application needs Automation or Accessibility access.
- Script syntax errors are easiest to isolate withinclude_executed_script_in_outputandinclude_substitution_logs, then reproduce in Script Editor.
- Use an absolute POSIX path withscript_path, and raisetimeout_secondsfor scripts that legitimately need more than 60 seconds.
- JXA normally works best withoutput_format_mode: "direct"; the defaultautomode selects it for JXA.
SeeDebugging AppleScript and JXAfor a longer diagnostic guide.
pnpm install pnpm run build pnpm test pnpm run lint pnpm run validate
The repository uses pnpm 11 and Node.js 24. Thedevelopment guidecovers local server setup and knowledge-base contributions.
Report bugs and propose scripts inGitHub Issues.
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