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Getting StartedDesktop AI (MCP Server)
Getting Started

Desktop AI (MCP Server)

Set up Respira Desktop AI with the standalone MCP server, and understand how it coexists with the official WordPress MCP Adapter.

Desktop AI setup

Desktop AI mode uses the Respira MCP server so tools like Cursor and Claude Code can safely edit WordPress with duplicate-before-edit workflows.

This page covers the standalone Respira MCP server. It can coexist with the official WordPress MCP Adapter and with Respira's browser surfaces.

Requirements

  • Node.js 18+
  • Respira for WordPress plugin installed on your site
  • Connected site in your Respira account (dashboard MCP setup recommended)

Use respira.press → Dashboard → MCP Setup to generate client config, install command, or AI setup prompt for Cursor/Codex/Claude Code.

Step 1: Run the setup wizard

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

The wizard validates your site and writes the local configuration.

Step 2: Connect your AI tool

Use the configuration guide for your client:

Step 3: Test

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

If the test succeeds, ask your AI:

  • "List all pages"
  • "Create a duplicate of the homepage"
  • "Analyze page speed for /"

What Desktop AI is best for

  • Batch edits and multi-step workflows
  • Repeatable, scriptable operations
  • Developer-heavy tasks in terminal/editor environments

Desktop MCP vs the official WordPress adapter

Respira supports both approaches:

  • Standalone Respira MCP server: local npx process, full established desktop workflow
  • Official WordPress MCP Adapter default/public server: WordPress-native discovery of the safe read-only Respira subset
  • Dedicated Respira MCP Adapter server: WordPress-native server for the broader Respira registry

Use the standalone MCP server when you want the usual Cursor/Claude Code workflow. Use the WordPress-native adapter path when you want WordPress to expose abilities directly.

Related: WordPress AI Stack Compatibility

Browser + Desktop together

Respira supports both modes at once:

  • Browser AI for quick edits
  • Desktop AI for advanced operations

Both modes use the same safety workflow, but tool totals differ by runtime and add-ons:

  • Desktop MCP: 82 WordPress tools + 21 WooCommerce tools (103 total with add-on active)
  • Browser AI/WebMCP: separate registry contract aligned to current plugin release
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Last updated 3 weeks ago

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