Introduction to Respira for WordPress

Welcome to Respira for WordPress

Respira for WordPress connects your AI coding assistant to your site so you can safely edit, inspect, and manage content using natural language. It provides a controlled workflow that keeps your live site protected while enabling fast, precise changes through tools like Cursor, Claude Code, and Windsurf.

What is Respira for WordPress?

Respira is a safe bridge between your AI coding assistant and WordPress. It translates natural-language instructions into builder-accurate edits and protects your site with a review-first workflow.

• Safely lets Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, and other AI coding assistants edit WordPress
• Uses a duplicate-first workflow so AI edits copies; you approve before anything goes live
• Understands 10 page builders: Divi, Elementor, Bricks, Oxygen, Gutenberg, WPBakery, Beaver Builder, Brizy, Visual Composer, Thrive Architect
• Requires no SSH or complex hosting setup—works on typical shared hosting

Who this guide is for

• WordPress site owners who want to use AI to speed up editing and maintenance
• Developers integrating AI workflows into client sites
• Agencies looking to streamline content updates and site operations
• Anyone using AI coding assistants such as Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, or similar tools

Get up and running in 15 minutes

Follow these five steps to install Respira for WordPress, generate an API key, set up the MCP server, and connect your AI assistant.

1. Install the Respira for WordPress plugin

Add the Respira for WordPress plugin to your site. This enables secure communication between WordPress and your AI assistant.

Option A: Download from respira.press (Recommended)

1. Go to respira.press/releases
2. Download the latest respira-for-wordpress-x.x.x.zip
3. In WordPress Admin, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
4. Choose the ZIP file and click Install Now
5. Click Activate Plugin

Option B: Manual installation

1. Download the plugin ZIP file
2. Extract it to your WordPress wp-content/plugins/ directory
3. Go to Plugins in WordPress Admin
4. Find Respira for WordPress and click Activate

2. Generate an API key

Your API key identifies your AI assistant when it connects to WordPress.

1. Go to Respira → API Keys in WordPress Admin
2. Click Generate API Key
3. Give it a name such as My Development Machine
4. Copy and save the API key—you will not be able to view it again

3. Install the MCP server

The MCP server runs locally on your machine. It creates the secure bridge between your AI coding assistant and your WordPress site.

Option A: Interactive Setup Wizard (Recommended)

The easiest way to get started. The wizard guides you through configuration step-by-step:

npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --setup

The setup wizard will:

• Guide you through configuration step-by-step
• Validate your WordPress URL and API key
• Test your connection before saving
• Generate the config file automatically
• Show you what to add to your AI tool

Option B: One-Click Install for Cursor

If you're using Cursor, click the button below to install automatically:

After installing, run npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --setup to create your site configuration.

Option C: Manual npm installation

Install globally with npm:

npm install -g @respira/wordpress-mcp-server

Or run without installing:

npx -y @respira/wordpress-mcp-server

CLI Options

npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --setup   # Run setup wizard
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --list    # List configured sites
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --test    # Test connection to default site
npx @respira/wordpress-mcp-server --help    # Show help

4. Configure your AI assistant

Connect Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, or another AI coding assistant so it can communicate with WordPress through Respira.

See the Configuration Guide for detailed instructions for:

• Cursor
• Claude Code
• Windsurf

You will need your site URL and the API key you created in Step 2.

5. Start editing with AI

Once everything is configured, you can begin editing your WordPress site using natural language instructions.

Try commands such as:

• "List all pages on my WordPress site"
• "Create a duplicate of the About page"
• "Update the homepage title to 'Welcome'"
• "Get the structure of my homepage and show me its sections"
• "Analyze the SEO of my homepage"

You are all set

You have successfully connected your AI coding assistant to WordPress.

Where to go next

• Installation
• Configuration
• Usage Guide
• Prompts & Examples
• Troubleshooting

Personal onboarding (optional)

New to AI-assisted WordPress editing?

A custom 1:1 session where you share your screen and get guided through everything. This is ideal if you are new to using AI coding assistants with WordPress and want hands-on help getting set up.

• Live 2-hour Zoom session—you share your screen, we walk you through setup
• Full recording included
• Summary and transcript for easy reference
• Customized step-by-step guide for your WordPress environment
• Personalized onboarding and setup assistance

Book your session

Ready to get started?

Start free. No credit card required.

Start Free

Questions? Email word@respira.press

FAQ

Do I need coding experience to use Respira for WordPress?

No. Respira is designed so you can work entirely through natural language. Developers can go deeper, but coding is not required.

Which AI tools work with Respira?

Respira works with AI coding assistants that support the MCP protocol, including Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, and similar tools.

Is it safe to let AI edit my site?

Yes. Respira uses a controlled, permission-based workflow. Your AI assistant proposes changes, and you approve them before they are applied.

Does Respira modify content directly or create duplicates?

By default, Respira creates duplicates for safety. Your AI assistant edits the duplicate, and you approve changes in WordPress Admin (Respira → Approve Edits) before they replace the original.

Is Respira free to try?

Yes. Respira offers a free trial. You can start without entering payment details.

Which page builders does Respira support?

Respira supports 10 page builders: Gutenberg, Divi, Elementor, Bricks, Oxygen, WPBakery, Beaver Builder, Brizy, Visual Composer, and Thrive Architect.