Common Paper integrates with large language models in two ways: through the MCP server for MCP-compatible tools like Claude Code and Cursor, and through the Claude Skill for Claude Cowork users. Both let you manage your agreements in plain language without leaving your AI assistant.
MCP Server
Common Paper's MCP server connects MCP-compatible AI tools - like Claude Code and Cursor - directly to your Common Paper account, so you can manage agreements through natural language.
NOTE: The MCP server does not currently work with Claude Cowork. If you're a Cowork user, see the Claude Skill section below instead.
What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI assistants connect to external services and take actions on your behalf. Instead of switching between tools or copying and pasting data, your AI assistant can interact directly with Common Paper through your conversations.
Once connected, you can ask your AI assistant to perform agreement management tasks - like creating and sending agreements, retrieving agreement status, or querying your account data - in plain language.
Connecting the MCP Server
To use the Common Paper MCP server, you'll need a Common Paper API key. See Using the Common Paper API for instructions on generating one.
Claude Code
Run the following command in your terminal:
claude mcp add --transport http --scope user commonpaper https://api.commonpaper.com/mcp --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key.
Cursor
Add the following to your ~/.cursor/mcp.json file:
{ "mcpServers": { "commonpaper": { "url": "https://api.commonpaper.com/mcp", "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" } } }}
Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key.
NOTE: The MCP server works with any MCP-compatible AI client, not just Claude Code and Cursor. The setup process will vary depending on the tool you use.
Learn more
For full technical details, see the Common Paper MCP API documentation.
Claude Skill
The Common Paper Claude Skill lets you query and manage your agreements directly from Claude Cowork. It connects to the Common Paper API and is the recommended option for Cowork users - the MCP server doesn't currently work with Cowork authentication.
Installing the Claude Skill
There are two ways to install the skill. You'll need a Common Paper API key either way - see Using the Common Paper API for instructions on generating one.
Ask Claude to install it
In a Cowork session, send Claude the following message:
Install this skill - https://github.com/CommonPaper/claude-skill
Claude will install the skill automatically.
Install manually
Download the SKILL.md file from GitHub, then open Claude and go to Customize > Skills. Upload the file there.
Connect to Common Paper
Once the skill is installed, ask Claude to "connect to Common Paper." Claude will prompt you for your API key and save it securely for future sessions.
What you can do
Once connected, you can ask Claude to:
Look up agreements by counterparty, status, or date
Count or list signed, in-progress, or expiring agreements
Create and send new agreements
Void or reassign existing agreements
Pull signer details and agreement summaries