Mac Use MCP vs Scrivener MCP
A side-by-side look at the Mac Use MCP and Scrivener MCP MCP servers: transport, auth, tools, quality signals, and the config to install either one in Claude, Cursor, Windsurf or VS Code.
Verdict: choose Mac Use MCP for os automation work as a local process; choose Scrivener MCP for knowledge & memory as a local process. You can also run both side by side in one mcpServers block.
Which MCP server should you choose?
Choose Mac Use MCP when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the OS Automation domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- You want tools like
screenshot, get_screen_info, get_cursor_position.
Choose Scrivener MCP when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- Its auth model fits you: No auth required.
Feature & specification comparison
Rows where the two servers differ are marked.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | OS Automation | Knowledge & Memory |
| Quality signal | 53/100 · Good | 61/100 · Good |
| Install command | Confirmed | Confirmed |
| Transport | Local subprocess (stdio) | Local subprocess (stdio) |
| Auth | Not declared | No auth required |
| Pricing | Not declared | Free |
| Required env vars | None listed |
Tools & capabilities
Mac Use MCP tools 18
screenshotCapture the screen, a region, or a window by title (PNG or JPEG)get_screen_infoGet display count, resolution, origin, and scale factor for each displayget_cursor_positionGet current cursor coordinatesclickClick at screen coordinates with button, click count, and modifier optionsmove_mouseMove the cursor to a positionscrollScroll up, down, left, or right at a positiondragDrag from one point to another over a configurable durationtype_textType text at the cursor position (supports Unicode, CJK, and emoji)press_keyPress a key or key combination (e.g., `"cmd+c"`, `"Return"`)list_windowsList all visible windows with positions and sizesfocus_windowActivate an app and bring a specific window to the frontopen_applicationLaunch an application by name- +6 more on the listing page
Scrivener MCP tools
No tool names declared yet. Check the project README from the listing page.
Ready-to-paste client configs
Paste either block (or both) into your client config, e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json. We only show a config when the install command is confirmed.
Mac Use MCP
{
"mcpServers": {
"mac-use-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"mac-use-mcp"
]
}
}
}
Scrivener MCP
{
"mcpServers": {
"writerslogic-scrivener-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"scrivener-setup"
]
}
}
}
Frequently asked questions
Mac Use MCP is categorized under OS Automation and uses a local stdio subprocess. Scrivener MCP belongs to Knowledge & Memory and uses a local stdio subprocess. Pick Mac Use MCP for os automation work and Scrivener MCP for knowledge & memory.
Copy the mcpServers block from the config section on this page into your client's config (for example claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json), then fully restart the client.
Mac Use MCP has no declared pricing — check the project's own site. Scrivener MCP is listed as free. Auth: no auth required. If a server needs environment variables such as API keys, define them under the env key in your client's MCP config.
Yes. MCP clients support multiple servers: add mac-use-mcp and writerslogic-scrivener-mcp as separate keys in the same mcpServers object, and your assistant will call tools from either one.
On AllMCPs, Mac Use MCP has a quality signal of 53/100 (Good) with 0 views, 0 installs and 7 GitHub stars. Scrivener MCP has 61/100 (Good) with 18 views, 12 installs and 67 GitHub stars.
