AltoIndex includes a built-in MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that lets you access your personal data directly from Claude Desktop.
Quick Start
Start the MCP server
- Click the play button next to "mcp" in the footer or home screen
- Server runs on port 8743
Install Claude Desktop extension
- Download: https://altoindex.com/dxt
- Double-click the .dxt file to install
- AltoIndex tools appear automatically in Claude Desktop
Use your data in Claude
- Search your notes, messages, emails, and calendar
- Ask questions about your personal information
- All data stays local on your Mac
Available Tools
When the MCP server is running, these tools are available in Claude Desktop:
- search_notes - Search across all your Apple Notes
- search_messages - Find conversations in iMessage
- search_emails - Search your Apple Mail
- search_calendar - Find events and meetings
- echo - Test tool to verify connection
How It Works
- AltoIndex exports your app data to markdown files
- The MCP server reads these files when Claude requests them
- Claude can search, analyze, and answer questions about your data
- Everything happens locally - no data leaves your Mac
Troubleshooting
Server won't start?
- Check that no other service is using port 8743
- Try restarting AltoIndex
Tools not showing in Claude Desktop?
- Make sure the MCP server is running (green dot)
- Reinstall the .dxt extension
- Restart Claude Desktop
Tools not finding data?
- Run a sync first (click refresh button)
- Check that export folder is configured
- Verify files exist in ~/Documents/alto-index/
Security & Privacy
- MCP server only accepts connections from localhost
- No data is sent to external servers
- All processing happens on your Mac
- You can stop the server anytime
Learn More
- MCP Documentation: https://modelcontextprotocol.io
- AltoIndex Docs: https://altoindex.com/docs
- Support: [email protected]