Why does Zed use context_servers instead of mcpServers?

Zed names MCP servers "context servers" in its settings schema. The command, args, and env fields are the same as other clients, so you only need to rename the top-level key when copying a config.

Can Zed extensions provide MCP servers?

Yes. Some MCP servers are packaged as Zed extensions that you install from the extensions view instead of editing settings.json. Custom servers from any package manager still go in context_servers.

Why does Zed use context_servers instead of mcpServers?

Zed names MCP servers "context servers" in its settings schema. The command, args, and env fields are the same as other clients, so you only need to rename the top-level key when copying a config.

Can Zed extensions provide MCP servers?

Yes. Some MCP servers are packaged as Zed extensions that you install from the extensions view instead of editing settings.json. Custom servers from any package manager still go in context_servers.

Code Editor

How to Install MCP Servers in Zed

How to add MCP servers to the Zed editor — the context_servers block in settings.json, where the file lives, and how to check the server is running in the Agent Panel.

Configuring Zed

Config file: settings.json

macOS / Linux path~/.config/zed/settings.json

{
  "context_servers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/allowed/dir"],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Step-by-step Installation Guide

1
Open your Zed settings
Run "zed: open settings" from the command palette, or open the Agent Panel settings and choose to add a custom server. Zed calls MCP servers "context servers".
2
Add the server under context_servers
Add a named entry inside "context_servers" with a "command", its "args", and an optional "env" object for secrets. Zed uses context_servers — not mcpServers — so rename the key if you paste a Claude or Cursor config.
3
Check the status in the Agent Panel
Zed starts the server when the settings file is saved. Open the Agent Panel settings: a green indicator next to the server means it is running and its tools are available to the agent.

Popular MCP servers to try in Zed

.
.prompts
.prompts, the home to all your AI prompts, everywhere you need them.
0 0
~
~alter
Identity infrastructure for the AI economy. Verify humans, query traits, earn USDC via x402.
0 0
�
💯 YouTube Transcript + YouTube Search MCP for AI Agents
The fastest YouTube transcript + YouTube search MCP for AI agents. Try for free.
0 0
Matter Controller MCP0x1abin
An MCP server for Matter Controller, enabling AI agents to control and interact with Matter devices.
0 0
1
1Claw Vault
HSM-backed vault secrets for AI agents (JIT fetch) plus prompt-injection and threat scanning.
0 0
1
1ClickReport
40 tools for marketing analytics, campaign management, and AI monitoring across 6 platforms.
0 0
1
1inch MCP
Doc search, intent & cross-chain swaps, limit orders, portfolio, spot prices, gas & all APIs.
0 0
1
1password
MCP server for 1Password service accounts
0 0
2
2Captcha MCP
Full 2Captcha API (43 tools) for Claude Code: 31 captcha solvers + management + webhook.
0 0
2
2ools
Build, version, review, and export websites, web apps, and games from a conversation.
0 0
2
2ools
Build, version, review, and export websites, web apps, and games from a conversation.
0 0
3
370.ai — AI Gateway: Video (Seedance 2.0, Wan, HappyHorse), Image, Speech + 100+ Chat Models
One key, 100+ models — chat with any LLM and generate video, images, speech. Free trial at 370.ai.
0 0

Frequently Asked Questions

Add an entry under "context_servers" in your Zed settings.json with a "command", "args", and optional "env". Zed starts the server on save and lists it in the Agent Panel settings with a status indicator.

Install MCP servers in other clients

Step-by-step Installation Guide

Open your Zed settings

Run "zed: open settings" from the command palette, or open the Agent Panel settings and choose to add a custom server. Zed calls MCP servers "context servers".

Add the server under context_servers

Add a named entry inside "context_servers" with a "command", its "args", and an optional "env" object for secrets. Zed uses context_servers — not mcpServers — so rename the key if you paste a Claude or Cursor config.

Check the status in the Agent Panel

Zed starts the server when the settings file is saved. Open the Agent Panel settings: a green indicator next to the server means it is running and its tools are available to the agent.

Frequently Asked Questions