What is the key difference between Files and Markitdown?

Files belongs to the File Systems category with local stdio execution, while Markitdown belongs to the File Systems category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Files or Markitdown in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Files and Markitdown free or paid?

Files operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Markitdown operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Files lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars. Markitdown lists 1 tools with 4 views and 172,887 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Files and Markitdown together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Files or Markitdown in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Files and Markitdown free to use, or do they require API keys?

Files is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Markitdown operates under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Files and Markitdown at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both files and microsoft-markitdown as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Files has a Quality Score of 27 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. Markitdown holds a Quality Score of 63 /100 ( Good ) with 4 views, 0 installs, and 172,887 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Files vs Markitdown

In-depth architectural comparison of the Files and Markitdown MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

Files

File Systems · Local stdio

Quality: 27/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Markitdown

File Systems · Local stdio

Quality: 63/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Files if you need specialized File Systems tools running via a local process. Choose Markitdown if your workspace requires File Systems integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Files when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the File Systems domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Files Details

Choose Markitdown when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the File Systems domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: convert_to_markdown.

Explore Markitdown Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	F Files File Systems	Markitdown microsoft File Systems
Summary	Sandboxed local filesystem: read, search, edit, copy, archive, and safely manage files.	MCP tool access to MarkItDown -- a library that converts many file formats (local or remote) to Markdown for LLM consumption.
Category & Scope	File Systems	File Systems
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Files Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Markitdown Tools (1)

convert_to_markdown

Convert a resource described by an http:, https:, file: or data: URI to markdown

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

Files Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "files": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "files"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Markitdown Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "microsoft-markitdown": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "markitdown-ocr"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Files is categorized under File Systems and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Markitdown belongs to File Systems using local stdio subprocess. Select Files when you need capabilities focused on file systems and Markitdown when you require tools for file systems.

More alternatives to Files More alternatives to Markitdown File Systems category hub