How to Install the NotePlan MCP Server

The NotePlan MCP server connects NotePlan to AI assistants like Claude. Once set up, you can manage your notes, tasks, calendar, reminders, and plugins just by chatting with Claude.

Watch the video walkthrough:

What You Need

  • A Mac with NotePlan installed
  • Claude Desktop (free download from claude.ai)
  • Node.js 18 or newer

Step 1 - Install Node.js

Node.js is a free tool that runs the MCP server in the background. If you don't have it yet, go to nodejs.org and download the installer for macOS. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

Step 2 - Configure Claude Desktop

  1. Open Claude Desktop
  2. Go to Settings > Developer > Edit Config
  3. This reveals the configuration file in Finder. Open it with a text editor like TextEdit.
  4. Replace its contents with the following configuration:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "noteplan": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@noteplanco/noteplan-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Save the file and restart Claude Desktop.

Step 3 - Start Using It

After restarting, Claude now has access to your NotePlan data. Just talk to it naturally:

  • "What's on my schedule today?"
  • "Show me all open tasks tagged #urgent"
  • "Add a task to my Daily Note: call the dentist at 3pm"
  • "Summarize my meeting notes from last week"
  • "Create a calendar event for Friday at 2pm: Design Review"
  • "Remind me to submit the report by end of day"

No downloads or manual file management needed. The npx command in the config takes care of fetching and running the server automatically.