mcp-excel-server

What is mcp-excel-server?

mcp-excel-server is a Node.js server that implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for reading, writing, and managing Excel files and other file operations. It is designed for use with MCP-compatible clients like Claude Desktop and VS Code, providing secure access to specified directories on the local filesystem.

How to use mcp-excel-server?

Install via npm (npm install @qian33/mcp-excel-server). Configure the server in your client (e.g., Claude Desktop’s claude_desktop_config.json or VS Code’s user settings) with the npx or bunx command, passing allowed directories as arguments. The server exposes tools for reading/writing file contents, listing directories, and handling Excel files (local and online).

Key features of mcp-excel-server

• Read file content with UTF-8 encoding.
• Write file content (create or overwrite).
• List directory contents with type indicators.
• Read Excel file content from local paths.
• Fetch and read Excel content from a URL.
• Create or overwrite Excel files with JSON data.

Use cases of mcp-excel-server

• Automate reading and extracting data from Excel spreadsheets on a local machine.
• Write generated data (e.g., reports, logs) into Excel files programmatically.
• Retrieve and parse Excel data hosted on remote URLs for integration.
• Manage files and directories within sandboxed folders from an MCP client.

FAQ from mcp-excel-server

What directories can the server access?

The server only allows operations within directories explicitly passed as arguments during configuration. Directories can be sandboxed by mounting; adding the ro flag makes them read-only.

How do I install mcp-excel-server?

Install the npm package globally: npm install @qian33/mcp-excel-server. Then configure your MCP client to run the server using npx or bunx.

How do I read an Excel file?

Use the get_excel_content tool, providing the path (string) to the Excel file. The server reads UTF-8 encoded Excel files and returns the data.

Can I write data to an Excel file?

Yes, use the write_excel_content tool with a path and JSON data (as a string or array of objects). The server creates or overwrites a workbook with a Sheet1 worksheet.

Does the server support online Excel files?

Yes. Use the get_online_excel_content tool with a URL (path) to fetch and read Excel content from a remote server, returning the data as a JSON array.