Zotero Local MCP Bridge

Use a Zotero plugin-hosted MCP endpoint to let local agents manage a local Zotero library safely.

Use a Zotero plugin-hosted MCP endpoint to let local agents manage a local Zotero library safely.

AGPL-3.0-or-later · Plugin version 0.1.60 · Zotero 9.x · Plugin-hosted MCP · Local loopback access

What It Does·What It Does Not Do·Scope·How It Works·Quick Start·Examples·Support Author·License

[!NOTE] Writes do not execute immediately. The agent first receives a dry-run plan, warnings, affected targets, and confirmation data. In approval modes, execution must wait for user approval.

This plugin is designed for Zotero Desktop and a local MCP client on the same machine. The MCP endpoint is registered on Zotero's local connector server and uses local loopback access only.

Run mode is configured inSettings -> Zotero Local MCP Bridge:

MCP-capable agent -> MCP tool call -> Zotero local connector server -> Zotero Local MCP Bridge plugin endpoint -> plugin command table -> Zotero internal API

The MCP endpoint is hosted inside the Zotero plugin:

http://127.0.0.1:23119/zotero-local-mcp-bridge/mcp

There is no separate Node, Python, or sidecar MCP process to start. Starting Zotero starts the plugin endpoint. Closing Zotero stops it. The release build exposes MCP tools, not the old private command endpoint.

Codex and Claude Code can connect to the Streamable HTTP MCP endpoint directly. OpenCode and other clients with stdio support but no Streamable HTTP support can use the standalone stdio adapter. The adapter runs on the agent side, stays outside the XPI, and never touches the Zotero database.

Dragzotero-local-mcp-bridge.xpiinto the plugin manager window, confirm installation when prompted, and restart Zotero.

For first use, start withreadonlyoraskforapprove. Useyoloonly after you understand dry-run, approval, audit, and backup behavior.

Agents can connect through stdio or Streamable HTTP. Claude Desktop users on macOS or Windows can install the packaged MCPB adapter.

npm install -g zotero-local-mcp-bridge-stdio-adapter

[mcp_servers.zotero-local-mcp-bridge] command = "zotero-local-mcp-bridge-stdio" args = [] startup_timeout_sec = 20 tool_timeout_sec = 120

{ "mcpServers": { "zotero-local-mcp-bridge": { "type": "stdio", "command": "zotero-local-mcp-bridge-stdio", "args": [] } } }

You can also usenpxwithout a global install:

{ "mcpServers": { "zotero-local-mcp-bridge": { "type": "stdio", "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "zotero-local-mcp-bridge-stdio-adapter"] } } }

The stdio adapter is a compatibility layer started by the agent session. It forwards stdio MCP requests to the Zotero plugin HTTP MCP endpoint. It is not the Zotero plugin itself and does not start with Zotero.

Before editing an agent configuration, verify the installed plugin and MCP endpoint:

The one-shot command checks MCP initialization and tool discovery, then prints the detected plugin version, tool count, and ready-to-copy Codex, Claude Code, and OpenCode configurations. It does not modify agent settings.

See theclient compatibility matrixfor Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode, Claude Desktop, and current ChatGPT limitations.

http://127.0.0.1:23119/zotero-local-mcp-bridge/mcp

[mcp_servers.zotero-local-mcp-bridge] url = "http://127.0.0.1:23119/zotero-local-mcp-bridge/mcp" startup_timeout_sec = 10 tool_timeout_sec = 120

claude mcp add --transport http zotero-local-mcp-bridge http://127.0.0.1:23119/zotero-local-mcp-bridge/mcp

Installzotero-local-mcp-bridge-<version>.mcpbin Claude Desktop on macOS or Windows. The MCPB contains the stdio compatibility adapter, not the Zotero plugin; install the XPI first and keep Zotero open. SeeClaude Desktop setup.

List my Zotero collection tree without making changes.

I am about to create a subcollection named "Reading Queue" under "Current Project". Approve execution?

The following operations need approval: | No. | Operation | |---:|---| | 1 | Move subcollection "Temporary" under "Old Project" to Zotero trash | | 2 | Merge duplicate items "Smith 2024" and "Smith 2024 copy" | | 3 | Add "Zotero MCP design notes" to "Current Project / Reading Queue" |

If this project helps your workflow, considerstarring the repositoryor opening a focusedissuewith reproducible feedback.

Zotero Local MCP Bridge is licensed under AGPL-3.0-or-later. SeeLICENSE.

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