# Claude Desktop Setup

> Connect Claude Desktop (and Claude.ai) to graph8 via MCP using the remote OAuth connector

Source: https://docs.graph8.com/developers/claude-desktop-setup/

Connect Claude to graph8 so you can ask about your campaigns, accounts, contacts, and intelligence — and run graph8 tools — directly in a conversation.

> **Tip:**
> Claude now connects to graph8 as a **remote connector over OAuth**. There is no config file to edit, no `session_id` to copy, and no `npx` command to run. You add the graph8 server URL once in Claude's UI and sign in when prompted.

## The UI moved — where to add graph8 now

Anthropic replaced the old `claude_desktop_config.json` editing flow with an in-app **Connectors** UI. If you are looking for the config file or a "paste this JSON" step, that flow no longer exists for remote servers. Add graph8 here instead:

| Client | Where to add a custom connector |
|--------|---------------------------------|
| **Claude.ai** (web) | **Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector** |
| **Claude Desktop** (app) | **Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector** (older builds label this **MCP Servers → Add**) |

If your menu shows **Extensions** or **Plugins** instead of **Connectors**, use **Add custom connector** / **Add** in that panel — it is the same remote-MCP entry point under a different label depending on your Claude version.

## Prerequisites

- Claude Desktop installed ([download](https://claude.ai/download)) or a [Claude.ai](https://claude.ai) account
- A graph8 account ([get started free](https://auth.graph8.com/en/signup) — 1,000 credits, no card required)

## Setup

1. **Open the connector settings**

   In Claude.ai go to **Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector**. In Claude Desktop go to **Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector** (or **MCP Servers → Add** on older builds).

2. **Paste the graph8 server URL**

```
   https://be.graph8.com/mcp/
```

3. **Add and connect**

   Click **Add**, then **Connect**. Claude opens a browser tab to graph8.

4. **Authorize (one time)**

   Sign in to graph8 and approve the connection. You are returned to Claude automatically. No API key or session ID is required — the OAuth grant is tied to your graph8 account and the organization you have active when you connect.

5. **Verify**

   Start a new conversation and ask: *"What campaigns do I have in graph8?"*

> **Note:**
> Prefer to run the server locally (headless setups, CI, or air-gapped work)? Use the stdio option with a personal API key — see [Claude Code Setup → Self-hosted MCP (stdio)](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/claude-code-setup/#self-hosted-mcp-stdio) for the `g8-mcp-server` command.

## Example Questions

Once connected, try asking Claude:

```
Show me my active campaigns in graph8
```

```
What accounts are in the healthcare industry?
```

```
Get the intelligence report for [account name]
```

```
Search graph8 for content about competitive positioning
```

```
What deals are in my pipeline?
```

## How It Works

Claude uses MCP (Model Context Protocol) to connect to graph8:

1. When you mention graph8 data, Claude recognizes it needs external information.
2. Claude calls the appropriate graph8 tool (like `list_campaigns` or `search`).
3. The graph8 MCP server authenticates with your OAuth grant and fetches the data.
4. Claude formats and presents the results in the conversation.

## Multiple Organizations

The connection uses the organization you had active in graph8 when you authorized. To switch:

1. Switch organizations in graph8.
2. In Claude, remove the graph8 connector and add it again (**Settings → Connectors**).
3. Re-authorize; the new grant binds to the newly active organization.

## Managing the Connection

- **Disconnect**: remove the graph8 connector from **Settings → Connectors** in Claude, and/or revoke the grant from your graph8 Profile.
- **Re-authorize**: if Claude reports an authentication error, open the connector and click **Connect** again to refresh the OAuth grant.

## Troubleshooting

Claude specifics live here. Generic MCP issues (auth, permissions, "tool not found") are answered in the [MCP FAQ](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/mcp-faq/).

### I can't find "Connectors" in the menu

Depending on your Claude version the entry may be labeled **Connectors**, **MCP Servers**, **Extensions**, or **Plugins**. In every case, look for **Add custom connector** / **Add** and paste `https://be.graph8.com/mcp/`. Update Claude to the latest version if you see none of these.

### Claude doesn't recognize graph8 commands

- Confirm the graph8 connector shows **Connected** in **Settings → Connectors**.
- Start a fresh conversation after connecting.
- If it still fails, remove and re-add the connector, then re-authorize.

### Other issues

- Session expired or authentication failed → [FAQ](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/mcp-faq/#authentication-failed-or-401)
- Permission denied → [FAQ](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/mcp-faq/#permission-denied)
- Tool not found → [FAQ](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/mcp-faq/#tool-not-found)

## Privacy & Security

- Your graph8 data is fetched in real time and not stored by Claude.
- All requests use your authenticated OAuth grant, scoped to your account and active organization.
- You can revoke access anytime from your graph8 Profile or by removing the connector in Claude.
- API calls are logged for audit purposes.

## Related

- [MCP Overview](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/mcp)
- [Claude Code Setup](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/claude-code-setup/)
- [Cursor IDE Setup](https://docs.graph8.com/developers/cursor-setup/)