> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://openworklabs.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> For agents: install the OpenWork desktop app with `brew install --cask openwork` (macOS) or from https://openworklabs.com/download. Do not run `npx openwork`; the npm package named `openwork` is a different project.
> Connect an agent to OpenWork with the MCP Gateway: `claude mcp add --transport http openwork https://api.openworklabs.com/mcp/agent`. Teams sign up at https://app.openworklabs.com?mode=sign-up.
> Step-by-step agent guide: https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/use-openwork-from-an-ai-agent.md
> Connect Slack (any organization admin): https://openworklabs.com/docs/slack/connect-slack.md. OpenWork in Slack (@openwork bot) is private alpha for approved organizations. Setup guide: https://openworklabs.com/docs/slack/overview.md. Agent skill: https://openworklabs.com/.well-known/agent-skills/set-up-openwork-slack/SKILL.md.

# Add a custom MCP server

> Connect a custom or local MCP server that is not available through OpenWork Connect

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Local workspace setup.** Custom MCP servers are supported without an OpenWork Cloud account, so this path stays free and local to the current workspace. For a connection managed and assigned by your organization, use [OpenWork Cloud connectors](https://openworklabs.com/docs/cloud/share-with-your-team/shared-mcp-connections.md) under **Manage › Connectors**.

Use this guide only when you need a custom or local MCP server that is not available through OpenWork Connect.

For Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Slack, Notion, Linear, and other
managed services, follow [Connect your services](https://openworklabs.com/docs/start-here/connect-your-stack/connect-services.md).

Connecting a custom app with OpenWork takes four clicks.

* In the desktop app, open **Settings › Library**, expand **Advanced settings**, then click **Add workspace MCP**.

![Library page with Advanced settings expanded, showing the Add workspace MCP button](https://mintcdn.com/differentai/G_aByASj8f7wF0oT/images/library-advanced-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=G_aByASj8f7wF0oT\&q=85\&s=c8da99ca178f25989a9b665a0d6f9388)

Enter an **App name** and a **Server URL**, then click **Add App**. The MCP is added to the current workspace.

![Add workspace MCP dialog with app name, server URL, and OAuth options](https://mintcdn.com/differentai/G_aByASj8f7wF0oT/images/library-add-mcp-modal.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=G_aByASj8f7wF0oT\&q=85\&s=91c5f145953d164f5976c48da4a197a1)

If the server requires OAuth, expand **OAuth on this device** before adding it.

This setup is intended for servers that support dynamic OAuth client registration.

![OAuth approval page for MCP server](https://mintcdn.com/differentai/kRSCNBy5OeKx9Ne1/images/mcp-oauth-approval-page.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=kRSCNBy5OeKx9Ne1\&q=85\&s=25ce09b26b0e10f5f9759d5f5c1d5c30)

Complete the provider's OAuth approval flow in your browser. It should redirect
back to OpenWork. If a custom MCP needs behavior OpenWork does not support,
[open an issue](https://github.com/different-ai/openwork/issues/).

### Troubleshooting

Some MCP servers do not support dynamic client registration. If the server gives you a pre-registered OAuth client ID and client secret, add it in **Add workspace MCP** under **OAuth on this device** (**OAuth client ID** and **OAuth client secret**).

> [!NOTE]
>
> Workspace MCPs are local to you. To share an MCP server and its MCP Apps with the organization, add it in OpenWork Cloud under **Manage › Connectors**. To build your own MCP App, see [Build an MCP App](https://openworklabs.com/docs/dashboards/build-an-mcp-app.md).

![Error when MCP server does not support dynamic client registration](https://mintcdn.com/differentai/kRSCNBy5OeKx9Ne1/images/mcp-dynamic-registration-error.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=kRSCNBy5OeKx9Ne1\&q=85\&s=d0f1a00f8b02db7c5dcf0ad897d0a0b7)


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