AltoIndex Claude Desktop Extension

Connect Claude to your Apple Notes, Mail, Calendar, Reminders, and Messages through AltoIndex.

Privacy Policy

https://altoindex.com/privacy

Prerequisites

  1. AltoIndex app installed and running on macOS
  2. MCP server started from within the app (Settings > MCP tab)
  3. Claude Desktop application

Installation

From Claude Desktop (when available in directory)

  1. Open Claude Desktop Settings > Extensions
  2. Search for "AltoIndex"
  3. Click Install

Manual Installation

  1. Download the extension from https://altoindex.com/extension
  2. Open Claude Desktop Settings > Extensions
  3. Click "Install Extension" and select the downloaded file

Usage Examples

Example 1: Find meeting notes

Ask Claude: "Search my notes for anything about the Q4 planning meeting"

Claude will use the search tool to find relevant notes:

Using search tool with source="notes" query="Q4 planning meeting"

Result: Claude returns matching notes with previews and can read full content on request.

Example 2: Check recent activity across all apps

Ask Claude: "What have I been working on in the last few days?"

Claude will use the get_recent tool:

Using get_recent tool with limit=20

Result: Claude shows your most recently modified notes, reminders, calendar events, and messages.

Example 3: Read a specific note

Ask Claude: "Read my note called Project Ideas"

Claude will use the read tool:

Using read tool with source="notes" id="Project_Ideas"

Result: Claude returns the full content of the note including any metadata.

Available Tools

Tool Description
list List items from notes, reminders, messages, or events
search Search for content within a specific source
read Read the full content of a specific item
get_metadata Get counts and last sync times for each source
get_recent Get recently modified items across all sources

All tools are read-only and do not modify your data.

Architecture

Claude Desktop <--(stdio)--> bridge.js <--(HTTP)--> AltoIndex MCP Server (localhost:8743)

The extension bridges Claude Desktop's stdio protocol to AltoIndex's local HTTP server.

Troubleshooting

"Cannot connect to AltoIndex"

  • Make sure AltoIndex app is running
  • Check that MCP server is started (green indicator in MCP tab)
  • Verify port 8743 is not blocked

No data returned

  • Ensure you've synced your data sources in AltoIndex
  • Check that export folder is configured in AltoIndex settings

Support

Version 1 · Created Jan 26, 2026 · Modified Jan 26, 2026
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