PDF Agent MCP

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⚠️ CRITICAL: Setup Required BEFORE Installation

This extension will NOT work with Claude's built-in Node.js.

You must install Node.js on your system and configure Claude Desktop to use it. Follow the steps below exactly, or the extension will fail to load.

Setup Instructions for PDF Agent MCP

1 Install Node.js LTS

PDF Agent MCP requires Node.js to run. Download and install the LTS (Long Term Support) version:

Download Node.js LTS →

Alternative: You can also use a Node.js version manager like nvm or fnm.

Verify Installation:

After installation, open your terminal and run:

node --version

You should see a version number like v20.x.x or higher.

2 Configure Claude Desktop

You must disable Claude's built-in Node.js and make it use your system installation:

  1. Open Claude Desktop
  2. Go to Claude > Settings > Extensions > Advanced Settings
  3. Disable the option "Use Built-in Node.js for MCP"
  4. Restart Claude Desktop completely (close and reopen)

Why this is necessary: Claude's built-in Node.js has compatibility issues with modern PDF processing libraries. Using your system's Node.js installation ensures proper functionality.

3 Download and Install PDF Agent

Now that Node.js is configured, you can install the PDF Agent extension:

Download PDF Agent MCP (.dxt file) →
  1. Download the pdf-agent-mcp.dxt file using the button above
  2. Double-click the downloaded .dxt file
  3. Claude Desktop will open and ask if you want to install the extension
  4. Click "Install"
  5. The extension will be installed and ready to use

4 Verify Installation

Test that everything is working:

  1. Open a new chat in Claude Desktop
  2. Look for "PDF Agent MCP" in the extensions list (should show as connected)
  3. Try a simple test: Ask Claude to "Get metadata for any PDF" and provide a PDF URL

Success! If Claude can analyze the PDF metadata, everything is working correctly.

Troubleshooting

Extension won't load or shows as disconnected:

  • Verify Node.js is installed: run node --version in terminal
  • Double-check that "Use Built-in Node.js for MCP" is disabled in Claude settings
  • Restart Claude Desktop completely
  • Try reinstalling the extension by double-clicking the .dxt file again

Extension loads but PDF processing fails:

  • Check the logs for detailed error messages (see README for log locations)
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloading PDFs
  • Try with a different PDF to rule out file-specific issues

Still having issues?

Check the detailed troubleshooting guide in the project README or open an issue on GitHub.

You're All Set! 🎉

PDF Agent MCP is now ready to help you work with PDFs more efficiently in Claude Desktop.

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