mcp-server-anydoc
The mcp-server-anydoc enables coding agents to convert office documents (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OpenDocument, RTF, EPUB, CSV) into GitHub-Flavored Markdown directly on the local machine, with no API key or cloud upload required.
convert_document: Convert a file by path, with an optional
output_pathto save large Markdown results.convert_base64: Convert document content provided as a Base64 string, useful when no filesystem path is available.
list_formats: Show all supported document formats.
All conversions run locally, ensuring privacy, and target text-based content; the server does not perform OCR on image-only or scanned PDFs. It is designed for agent workflows (e.g., Claude Code, Cursor) that need to read office files from a project’s filesystem.
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@mcp-server-anydocConvert the file ./docs/spec.docx to Markdown"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
What is mcp-server-anydoc?
mcp-server-anydoc is a local Model Context Protocol server that turns office documents on disk into GitHub-Flavored Markdown using anydoc. No API key. Conversion runs on your machine. Built for coding agents (Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code Copilot) that need to read .docx, .pptx, .xlsx, and PDFs inside a project - not for replacing “drop one PDF into chat.”
Related MCP server: Markitdown MCP Server
Why not just attach a PDF in chat?
Attaching a file in Claude chat is fine for a one-off human question. It fails for agent workflows:
Situation | Chat attach | This MCP |
One PDF you paste into Claude.ai | Usually enough | Overkill |
| Agent | Converts on demand |
“Convert every file under | Manual hell | Tool loop + |
Large deck / long report | Attach limits and context spam | Write |
Avoid uploading to a third-party parse API | N/A | Local anydoc, no Firecrawl key |
Privacy note: conversion is local. The Markdown still enters the model context when the agent uses it. The win vs cloud parse APIs is “no third-party upload / no API key,” not “Claude never sees the text.”
When should I use it?
Use mcp-server-anydoc when:
A coding agent needs the contents of an office file already on disk
You want batch convert → Markdown files in the repo
You want structured tools (
convert_document) instead of fragile shell promptsYou do not want a hosted document-parse API key
Skip it when you only need to ask Claude about one attached PDF in the chat UI.
One-click install
Cursor
Opens Cursor and prompts to add the server (runs via npx from this GitHub repo).
VS Code (Copilot MCP)
Claude Code
claude mcp add anydoc -- npx -y mcp-server-anydocOptional skill (teaches when to convert):
npx skills add ofershap/mcp-server-anydocPlugin (MCP + skill together):
/plugin marketplace add ofershap/mcp-server-anydoc
/plugin install anydoc@ofershap-anydocAsk your agent to install it
Paste this into Claude Code or Cursor:
Add the local MCP server mcp-server-anydoc so you can convert PDF/Word/Excel/PowerPoint files on disk to Markdown.
Run:
claude mcp add anydoc -- npx -y mcp-server-anydoc
Or write this to MCP config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"anydoc": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "mcp-server-anydoc"]
}
}
}
Then convert ./path/to/file.docx with the convert_document tool and summarize it.
Repo: https://github.com/ofershap/mcp-server-anydocManual JSON (any MCP client)
{
"mcpServers": {
"anydoc": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "mcp-server-anydoc"]
}
}
}Agent Plugins
This repo ships as an Agent Plugins 1.0.0 package: root plugin.json, mcp.json, and skills/local-doc-to-markdown/ teach agents when to convert office files on disk.
Claude Code .claude-plugin/ manifests remain for marketplace installs. Agent Plugins is the cross-client layout (MCP + skills in one tree).
Cursor (local plugin): clone the repo, then copy or symlink it to ~/.cursor/plugins/local/mcp-server-anydoc and reload the window. One-click MCP buttons below still work if you only want the server without the skill bundle.
Spec and tooling: agent-plugins.org.
Tools
Tool | What it does |
| Path on disk → Markdown (optional |
| Base64 bytes → Markdown when you have no path |
| Supported extensions |
Supported inputs include .pdf, .doc/.docx, .ppt/.pptx, .xls/.xlsx, OpenDocument, RTF, EPUB, CSV.
Not OCR. Scanned image-only PDFs fail. Text-based documents are the target.
Example prompts
“Convert
./docs/msa.docxand list the termination clauses.”“Turn every
.pptxunder./decks/into.mdbeside the original.”“
convert_documentonbudget.xlsxwithoutput_path./budget.md, then summarize sheet risks.”
How it compares
Chat attach | Firecrawl | MarkItDown MCP | mcp-server-anydoc | |
Best for | One-off human Q&A | Hosted parse + OCR options | Broad local convert (Python) | Agent + office files on disk |
API key | No | Usually yes | No | No |
Runs locally | N/A | Often uploads | Yes | Yes |
Claude Code skill | N/A | Separate / CLI | Limited | Ships in-repo |
Install | Drag file |
|
| One-click / |
Engine: anydoc (Rust, MIT) via @firecrawl/anydoc.
FAQ
Do I need this if I can attach a PDF in chat?
For a one-off question about one PDF in the chat UI, attaching is enough. Use this MCP when a coding agent must read .docx, .pptx, .xlsx, or PDFs from the repo, batch-convert folders, or write Markdown to disk without manual uploads.
Agent Plugins vs MCP-only install?
MCP-only (one-click Cursor/VS Code or mcp.json) gives you convert_document and friends. The Agent Plugins package adds plugin.json plus the local-doc-to-markdown skill so agents know when to convert instead of guessing. Same npx server either way.
Is OCR supported?
No. Scanned or image-only PDFs fail. anydoc targets text-based office documents and PDFs. Use an OCR pipeline elsewhere, then convert the result if needed.
Where does my document go? (privacy)
Conversion runs locally via anydoc. Nothing is sent to a document-parse SaaS and no API key is required. Converted Markdown still enters the model context when the agent reads it, same as any tool output.
Which clients work?
Any MCP client over stdio: Cursor, VS Code Copilot MCP, Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Windsurf, and others. Claude Code can also use the marketplace plugin; Cursor can load the repo from ~/.cursor/plugins/local/mcp-server-anydoc.
Tech stack
Runtime | Node 20+ |
Language | TypeScript (strict) |
Engine | anydoc ( |
Protocol | MCP stdio |
Tests | Vitest |
Development
git clone https://github.com/ofershap/mcp-server-anydoc.git
cd mcp-server-anydoc
npm install
npm test
npm run buildContributing
See CONTRIBUTING.md. Run claude plugin validate . before changing plugin manifests.
Author
If this helped, star the repo or open an issue.
License
Powered by anydoc (MIT) from Firecrawl.
Available Tools
3 toolsconvert_base64A
Convert document bytes (base64) to Markdown locally. Use when the file content is already in context and you cannot pass a filesystem path. Still runs on-device via anydoc.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| format | No | Format hint such as "docx", "pdf", "xlsx", "csv" | |
| filename | No | Optional filename used to infer format from extension | |
| content_base64 | Yes | Base64-encoded document bytes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description reveals that conversion runs locally and on-device via anydoc, which is a meaningful behavioral trait given no annotations. However, it does not mention return format, error handling, or other side effects, leaving some behavioral aspects undisclosed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, starts with the core action, and each sentence contributes distinct value: what it does, when to use, and where it runs. There is no wasted or redundant wording.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with 3 parameters and no output schema, the description covers purpose, usage context, and a behavioral note. It does not explicitly describe the return value, but the conversion to Markdown implies the output. Given the simplicity, it is reasonably complete for selection and invocation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides complete descriptions for all 3 parameters (100% coverage), so the description adds little beyond schema. It mentions 'base64' and 'filename' but does not clarify parameter usage or dependencies beyond what the schema states.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool converts base64 document bytes to Markdown locally, using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from path-based sibling tools by emphasizing the base64 input context.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives explicit guidance on when to use the tool: when file content is already in context and a filesystem path cannot be passed. It implies when not to use it but does not name alternative tools directly, though siblings are visible in context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
convert_documentA
Convert a local office document (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OpenDocument, RTF, EPUB, CSV) to GitHub-Flavored Markdown on the user's machine. No API key. File never leaves the device. Prefer this over uploading docs to cloud parsers.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| path | Yes | Absolute or relative path to the document on disk | |
| format | No | Optional format hint (e.g. "csv", "docx") when detection cannot work | |
| output_path | No | Optional path to write the .md file. Use for large documents instead of returning full markdown inline. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It clearly states 'No API key' and 'File never leaves the device', which are important operational characteristics. It doesn't mention edge cases or side effects, but the included privacy guarantees are substantive and beyond typical.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is four short, purposeful sentences. Each sentence adds information—action, formats, privacy, and usage preference—without any fluff or redundancy. It is front-loaded with the primary action and immediately followed by key differentiators.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has three parameters and no output schema, but the schema property for output_path explains the inline-vs-file output behavior. The description complements this with supported formats and privacy context. It is sufficiently complete for an agent to select and invoke the tool safely, though it could explicitly mention the return type if no output_path is given.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Although the schema already describes each parameter clearly (100% coverage), the description adds value by enumerating the exact supported document formats (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OpenDocument, RTF, EPUB, CSV), which clarifies what the optional 'format' parameter expects and when format hints might be needed.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses the specific verb 'Convert' with a clear resource ('local office document') and target format ('GitHub-Flavored Markdown'). It lists supported input types, and the stipulation to prefer it over cloud parsers distinguishes it from upload-based alternatives.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives explicit usage context: it's for local, private conversions without an API key, and recommends it over cloud-based document parsers. However, it does not directly contrast with sibling tools like convert_base64 or list_formats, leaving some ambiguity for niche use cases.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_formatsA
List document formats this local anydoc MCP server can convert to Markdown.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the scope ('local anydoc MCP server') and the purpose (convert to Markdown), but it does not describe the output format, such as whether it returns names, MIME types, or extensions. This provides some context beyond the bare operation but remains minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence with no filler. Every word contributes to the purpose, making it highly concise and well-structured.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a zero-parameter list tool, the description covers the core purpose and scope. However, without an output schema, it omits details about the response structure (e.g., array of strings, format types), which is a notable gap for such a simple tool. It is minimally complete but not fully informative.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description adds meaning by clarifying the output is formats convertible to Markdown, though it does not discuss parameter details because none exist. This is appropriate for a parameterless tool.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('List') and the resource ('document formats'), and adds context ('this local anydoc MCP server can convert to Markdown'), which distinguishes it from siblings convert_base64 and convert_document. It is specific and unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies the tool is used to discover which formats are supported for conversion to Markdown, but it does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives or mention any prerequisites. The context is somewhat clear but lacks explicit guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.
3 tool updates
v1.0.0- First observed
convert_base64 - First observed
convert_document - First observed
list_formats
TDQS
Each tool has a clear, distinct purpose: converting a file path, converting base64 content, and listing supported formats. The base64 vs. file path distinction is explicitly described, eliminating confusion.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern: convert_* for conversion actions and list_* for querying capabilities. The naming is uniform and predictable.
Three tools is appropriate for a focused document conversion server. Each tool covers a distinct need without redundancy, keeping the surface minimal but effective.
The domain is document conversion to Markdown, and the toolset covers both input methods (file path and base64) as well as format discovery. There are no obvious missing operations for the stated purpose.
Maintenance
Resources
Unclaimed servers have limited discoverability.
Looking for Admin?
If you are the server author, to access and configure the admin panel.
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