MCP

Model Context Protocol standardizes how AI assistants connect to tools and data sources. The shadcn CLI includes an MCP server that can browse, search, and install items from compatible registries such as mcpcn.

Configure the registry

Add the mcpcn namespace to your project's components.json file:

Copy{
  "registries": {
    "@mcpcn": "https://mcpcn.dev/r/{name}.json"
  }
}

See the Registry page for CLI usage and full-URL installation.

Configure MCP

Run the shadcn MCP setup command from your project:

bunnpmpnpmyarn
$ pnpm dlx shadcn@latest mcp init
Copy

Choose your MCP client when prompted, finish its setup, and restart the client so it can load the server.

Usage

With MCP enabled, your assistant can discover mcpcn blocks and install them through natural-language requests. Try prompts such as:

• Show me all available components in the mcpcn registry.
• Add @mcpcn/message-bubble and @mcpcn/quick-reply to my project.
• Build a payment flow using the mcpcn order and payment confirmation blocks.
• Create an event experience with an event card, event details, and ticket selection.
• Find a compact mcpcn component for displaying status and progress.

The MCP server reads registries from components.json, then uses the shadcn CLI to copy selected source files and their dependencies into your project.

For client-specific configuration and troubleshooting, see the shadcn MCP documentation.