Nutrient DWS MCP

How to Install and Use Nutrient DWS MCP

Nutrient DWS MCP is a powerful tool that helps you work with PDF files using AI assistants. It can handle many tasks like creating, editing, signing, and extracting data from PDFs. This guide will show you how to install and use Nutrient DWS MCP step by step, using clear examples.

Step 1: Get Your Nutrient DWS API Key

Before you start, you need an API key to use Nutrient DWS MCP. This key lets the tool connect to the Nutrient Document Web Service.

• Go to nutrient.io/api and sign up for an account.
• Copy your API key—you will need it for the setup.

Step 2: Install Node.js on Your Computer

Nutrient DWS MCP runs on Node.js, so you need to install it first.

• For macOS users: Open the Terminal and run this command if you have Homebrew installed:

  brew install node
  

• For Windows users: Download and run the installer from Node.js Download Site.

Step 3: Configure Claude Desktop With Nutrient DWS MCP

Claude Desktop is a popular client for using Nutrient DWS MCP.

First, download Claude Desktop and sign in:
https://claude.ai/download

Next, you need to add Nutrient DWS MCP to Claude’s configuration.

Here’s how:

• Open Claude Desktop.
• On macOS: Click "Claude" next to the Apple icon on the top and go to Settings > Developer > Edit Config.
• On Windows: Click the menu icon (hamburger menu) in the top left. Go to File > Settings > Developer > Edit Config.

Add this JSON snippet to claude_desktop_config.json, replacing "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE" and setting your sandbox folder path:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nutrient-dws": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@nutrient-sdk/dws-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "NUTRIENT_DWS_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
        "SANDBOX_PATH": "/your/sandbox/directory"   // Use "C:\\your\\sandbox\\directory" for Windows (note double backslashes)
      }
    }
  }
}

This configuration tells Claude how to run Nutrient DWS MCP and where to keep your files safely.

Step 4: Run Nutrient DWS MCP Server

Once setup is done, restart Claude Desktop so the changes take effect. On Windows, you might need to close Claude completely using Task Manager.

Nutrient DWS MCP will now run and listen for commands from Claude Desktop.

Step 5: Add and Process Documents

Put any PDF or document you want to work on into the sandbox folder you chose (the SANDBOX_PATH).

Then, ask Claude Desktop to perform tasks like:

• “Redact all PII from secret.pdf”
• “Sign the contract.pdf”
• “Merge secret.pdf and contract.pdf together”

Nutrient DWS MCP will process these requests using the files inside your sandbox folder.

Optional: Use Sandbox Mode for Security

Sandbox mode is highly recommended to keep your files safe by limiting the tool’s access to just one folder on your computer.

To enable sandbox mode, just set the SANDBOX_PATH environment variable before running the server:

export SANDBOX_PATH=/path/to/sandbox/directory
npx @nutrient-sdk/dws-mcp-server

This setup ensures all files are read and written only inside the sandboxed folder.

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By following these simple steps, you can install and use Nutrient DWS MCP quickly and securely to do advanced PDF processing with AI help.