Install Parts MCP

Run the Source Parts MCP server locally so any MCP-aware assistant can search parts, price BOMs, and drive PCB workflows.

Requirements

Parts MCP is a Python package. You need Python 3.10+ and a Source Parts API key for local use (the hosted server uses OAuth instead — see Connect from claude.ai).

Python 3.10 or higher
A Source Parts API key — create one in your dashboard
Optional: KiCad installed locally for schematic/BOM tools

Run with uvx (recommended)

uvx runs the published parts-mcp package from PyPI in an isolated environment with no install step.

# Run Parts MCP directly from PyPI (no install step)
uvx parts-mcp

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Or install with pip

Install the package into your current environment if you prefer a persistent install.

# Or install into the current environment
pip install parts-mcp

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Install from source

Clone the repository for development or to run an unreleased build.

git clone https://github.com/SourceParts/parts-mcp.git
cd parts-mcp
pip install -e .

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Environment variables

Configure the server with environment variables (or a local .env file).

SOURCE_PARTS_API_KEY (required for local use) — your Source Parts API key
SOURCE_PARTS_API_URL (optional) — defaults to https://api.source.parts/v1
KICAD_SEARCH_PATHS (optional) — comma-separated paths to KiCad projects
PARTS_CACHE_DIR (optional) — cache directory, defaults to ~/.cache/parts-mcp
CACHE_EXPIRY_HOURS (optional) — cache TTL in hours, defaults to 24

Connect from claude.ai (hosted) →Claude Desktop →Available tools →