How do I install Ref Tools?

Copy the stdio config for Cursor, Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or VS Code on this page. It uses the publisher's install, not a PlugMCP proxy.

Does Ref Tools need an API key?

The publisher lists these environment variables: REF_API_KEY.

What transport does Ref Tools use?

Ref Tools runs locally over stdio.

When was Ref Tools last checked?

Last checked 2026-11-10. Token efficient search for coding agents over public and private documentation.

Ref Tools MCP server

Power your agent

Add this server

The publisher's own command. Not a PlugMCP endpoint.

Add to Cursor Add to VS Code Run on PlugMCP

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

Local command

npx -y [email protected]

Credentials from the publisher

REF_API_KEY — Your API key for Ref

Claude Code has no install link for a local command. Copy the command below and run it in a terminal.

shClaude Code

1REF_API_KEY=<secret> claude mcp add io.github.ref-tools-ref-tools-mcp -- npx -y ref-tools-mcp@3.0.1

Run in a terminal.

jsonClaude Desktop

1{2  "mcpServers": {3    "io.github.ref-tools-ref-tools-mcp": {4      "command": "npx",5      "args": [6        "-y",7        "[email protected]"8      ],9      "env": {10        "REF_API_KEY": "<secret>"11      }12    }13  }14}

claude_desktop_config.json

Local · npmPublisher installStep-by-step: add this in Claude

Remote URL or a command on your machine? How the two installs differ

Run on PlugMCP

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

A new server you create. It is not this listing's official endpoint. Use the publisher install when you want their URL and their credentials.

Launch

Server facts

Local

Transport: stdio
Version: 3.0.1
API key

Tools

No tool list yet. Remote servers get one after the first health check.

FAQ

Ref Tools

Add this server

Host a copy with our keys and logs.

Server facts

Tools

Questions

How do I install Ref Tools?

Does Ref Tools need an API key?

What transport does Ref Tools use?

When was Ref Tools last checked?

Documentation