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Build a Bundled Local MCP Server

Package a local MCP server with its runtime into a single installable .mcpb file

Source Download skill
Repository
anthropics/claude-plugins-official
Stars
45,770
Licence
Apache-2.0
Files
3 files

What it does

This skill guides an AI agent through packaging a server that runs on the user's own computer (reading local files, controlling desktop apps, or using OS features) into a single .mcpb file. Users can install that one file without setting up Node, Python, or other tools themselves. The skill covers the bundle layout, the manifest.json format, a sample file-access server, the build steps for Node and Python, and security guidance, since the bundle gets no automatic sandbox.

Great for

  • Developers who need an MCP server to read local files or drive a desktop app and want non-technical users to install it easily
  • Teams distributing a local MCP server who need it to run without Node or Python on the user's machine
  • Developers deciding whether a local (MCPB) or remote MCP server fits their project

Skip it if

  • Servers that only call cloud APIs: the skill itself says a remote HTTP server is the better choice, since local packaging adds security burden for no gain
  • Anyone expecting the manifest to restrict file or network access: MCPB has no permissions system, so the server runs with full user privileges and a path-handling bug could expose the whole disk

Try asking

  • “Package my local file-search MCP server as an .mcpb file that users can install with one click”
  • “Create a manifest.json for a Node MCP server that reads files from a folder the user picks at install time”
  • “Bundle my Python MCP server with its dependencies vendored so it runs without Python installed”
  • “Help me decide whether my MCP server should be packaged as MCPB or deployed as a remote server”
Step-by-step guide: how to use Build a Bundled Local MCP ServerInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs

Install in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Download the skill

    The ZIP contains the 3 original files, the Apache-2.0 licence and an attribution note.

    build-mcpb.zip
  2. 2

    Add it to your agent

    Claude Code (all projects)

    mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && unzip build-mcpb.zip -d ~/.claude/skills/

    Claude Code / Agent SDK (this project only)

    mkdir -p .claude/skills && unzip build-mcpb.zip -d .claude/skills/

    Claude apps (web/desktop): Settings → Capabilities → Skills → Upload skill, and choose the ZIP.

  3. 3

    Ask for the task

    No special command needed — the agent reads the skill's description and loads it when your request matches. Try one of the prompts above.

Get better results

  • Read references/local-security.md before writing any file or process code, and validate every path so it cannot escape the configured root directory
  • Check whether the host supports roots/list so the server can use user-approved directories instead of a hardcoded config value
  • Prefer a remote MCP server if the server does not truly need local access, because MCPB is described as the secondary distribution path

What's inside

  • references/local-security.md
  • references/manifest-schema.md
  • SKILL.md

Redistributed unmodified from anthropics/claude-plugins-official under the Apache-2.0 licence. The assessment was drafted with AI from the skill's files on 2026-10-29. Skills can instruct your agent to run code — read SKILL.md and any scripts before installing.