---
name: shadcn MCP server
slug: shadcn-mcp
url: "https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/shadcn-mcp"
website: "https://ui.shadcn.com/docs/mcp"
github: "https://github.com/shadcn-ui/ui"
docs: "https://ui.shadcn.com/docs/mcp"
type: mcp-server
categories:
  - agent-resources
  - components
tags:
  - mcp
  - shadcn
  - registry
  - claude-code
  - cursor
  - components
  - cli
frameworks:
  - react
  - nextjs
  - tailwind
pricing: free
license: MIT
openSource: true
agentFriendly: excellent
agentAccessMethods:
  - mcp
  - cli
  - documentation
  - github
installCommand: "npx shadcn@latest mcp init --client claude"
difficulty: beginner
dateAdded: "2026-09-02"
lastVerified: "2026-09-02"
---

# shadcn MCP server

Let your agent browse, search and install components from any shadcn registry.

- Type: MCP server
- Categories: Agent Resources, Components
- Pricing: Free · License: MIT
- Open source: yes
- Works with: React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, MCP

## What it is

The shadcn CLI includes an MCP server that gives coding agents direct access to component registries: the official shadcn/ui components plus third-party registries like Magic UI, Origin UI and others. The agent can search for a component, read its source and install it into your project.

## Why it's here

This turns "add a nice pricing section" into something the agent can actually do end-to-end. Set it up once and every registry in this directory becomes reachable.

## Best for

- installing components via agent
- browsing registries
- shadcn projects

## Links

- Website: https://ui.shadcn.com/docs/mcp
- GitHub: https://github.com/shadcn-ui/ui

## Can my agent use this?

Yes, this is built for agents. Run the init command for your client, then ask your agent things like "find a testimonial component in the registries and add it".

Agent friendliness: Excellent. Public docs, public source or an installable package. An agent can read, install and implement this directly.
Access methods: MCP, CLI, Docs, GitHub.
Install: `npx shadcn@latest mcp init --client claude`

## Prompt to hand your agent

```text
Set up and use shadcn MCP server in this project.

What it is: Let your agent browse, search and install components from any shadcn registry.

Website: https://ui.shadcn.com/docs/mcp
GitHub: https://github.com/shadcn-ui/ui
Install: npx shadcn@latest mcp init --client claude

Use it specifically for:
- installing components via agent
- browsing registries
- shadcn projects

How you can access it: MCP, CLI, Docs, GitHub.
Works with: React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS.
License: MIT. Respect it.

Follow the official setup instructions above. Once available, use it when it is relevant to the task rather than by default, and tell me what it changed.
```

## Related

- [Magic UI](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/magic-ui.md): Animated React components and effects for landing pages, built to sit alongside shadcn/ui.
- [Origin UI](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/origin-ui.md): Hundreds of polished, practical components built on shadcn/ui conventions.
- [21st.dev Magic MCP](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/magic-mcp-21st.md): Describe a component in your agent and get a polished one generated from a large library.
- [TypeUI](https://dontmakeitugly.com/resources/typeui.md): Design skills, UI prompts and a shared design system, handed to your agent over MCP.

## In collections

- [Best resources for designing with Claude Code](https://dontmakeitugly.com/collections/building-with-claude-code.md)

shadcn MCP server is an independent resource listed by Don't Make It Ugly. We link to it; we aren't affiliated with it. Pricing and licence details are as understood at the time of listing; check the official site.