Packaging Format

.mcpb vs Remote MCP URL

Two ways MCP servers reach your AI: the open .mcpb packaging format (common on Claude Desktop), or a remote MCP URL (Cursor, Codex, ChatGPT, Claude Code, and most clients). On MCPBundles we connect hosted servers with the MCP URL — this page explains the format and when each path fits.

Browse MCP Servers See Setup Options

Looking for the technical .mcpb spec (manifest fields, ZIP layout, examples)? Read the MCPB file format reference →

On MCPBundles: Connect with the remote MCP URL from any server page — it works across Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, and Claude Code, supports OAuth sign-in, and picks up credential changes without reinstalling. See setup steps →

Think of It Like an App Installer

Just like .dmg files on Mac or .exe files on Windows

A `.mcpb` file is the installer for AI tools

The .mcpb format is the open standard for packaging and installing MCP servers, maintained by the Model Context Protocol project. It's portable, simple, and works with a double-click.

One File

Everything bundled together

One Click

Double-click to install

Cloud Connected

Can bridge to hosted backends

Cloud-connected packages

Some .mcpb packages ship a small local proxy instead of a full server. The proxy forwards tool calls to a hosted backend where credentials and updates are managed centrally.

How .mcpb Installation Works

When a publisher ships an `.mcpb` package for Claude Desktop

Before You Start

You'll need Claude Desktop installed on your computer. Download it from claude.ai/download

Step 1
Get the package
Obtain an .mcpb file from a trusted publisher — a vendor site, GitHub release, or your organization's extension directory.
example-server.mcpb
Step 2
Double-click to install
Open the file in Claude Desktop. It reads the manifest, installs the server, and prompts for any credentials the package declares.
MCP server installed successfully
Step 3
Start using your tools
Open Claude Desktop and your MCP server's tools are ready. Ask Claude what tools it has access to.
"What sales tools do you have access to?"

Read Full Setup Guide

Two Ways to Connect

On MCPBundles, use the MCP URL or one-click install links on each server page. The `.mcpb` format is how other publishers package servers for Claude Desktop.

MCP URL Method

Universal - works everywhere

Universal Compatibility

Works with ChatGPT, Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Code, and any MCP client

Copy-Paste Setup

Just copy the URL and paste into your AI's connector settings

Instant Updates

MCP server changes take effect immediately, no reinstallation

Example URL:

https://mcp.mcpbundles.com/bundle/sales-pipeline

.mcpb File Method

Claude Desktop, Claude Code & MCP for Windows

One-Click Installation

Double-click to install, no manual configuration needed

Native MCP Support

Supported by Claude Desktop, Claude Code, and MCP for Windows

Portable package

Single file a publisher can distribute to a team

Example file:

sales-pipeline-bundle.mcpb

Same hosted server, different wire format

A cloud-connected `.mcpb` package and an MCP URL can point at the same backend. On MCPBundles, open any server page, copy the MCP URL, or use the install link for your client.

Hosted MCP on MCPBundles

Connect with the MCP URL and get enterprise-grade infrastructure behind every server

Cloud-Hosted

No local server setup or maintenance. Tools run on MCPBundles infrastructure.

Automatic Updates

Server improvements and new tools deploy automatically—no reinstallation needed.

Centralized Credentials

Configure API keys once in your dashboard. They're encrypted and injected automatically.

Multi-Provider

One MCP server aggregates tools from 5+ different APIs with unified authentication.

Ready to Connect?

Browse our MCP server library — each one publishes an MCP URL and one-click install links for your AI client.

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