Common Paper integrates with large language models in two ways: through the MCP server for MCP-compatible tools like Claude Cowork, Claude Code, and Cursor, and through the Claude Skill. 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 Cowork, Claude Code, and Cursor - directly to your Common Paper account, so you can manage agreements through natural language.
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
The Common Paper MCP server works with any MCP-compatible AI client. Every client authenticates with Common Paper through OAuth, so you don't need an API key. The setup process varies by tool - instructions for Claude Cowork, Claude Code, and Cursor are below.
Claude Cowork
You can connect the Common Paper MCP server directly in Claude Cowork as a custom connector. Open Claude Cowork and go to Customize > Connectors. Click Add custom connector.
In the dialog that appears, enter the following:
Name: Common Paper
Click Add. Claude will initiate an OAuth process to authenticate you with Common Paper. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection. Once connected, Common Paper will appear in your list of active connectors.
Claude Code
Run the following command in your terminal:
claude mcp add --transport http --scope user commonpaper https://api.commonpaper.com/mcp
The first time you use the server, Claude Code initiates an OAuth process to authenticate you with Common Paper. You can also start it at any time by running the /mcp command and following the prompts.
Cursor
Add the following to your ~/.cursor/mcp.json file:
{ "mcpServers": { "commonpaper": { "url": "https://api.commonpaper.com/mcp" } }}
Cursor initiates an OAuth process to authenticate you with Common Paper. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection.
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 an alternative to the MCP server for Cowork users.
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
Create, list, and update templates for any agreement type - including NDAs, CSAs, DPAs, BAAs, PSAs, LOIs, Pilots, and Software Licenses
Onboarding mode
The skill includes an onboarding mode that walks you through connecting to Common Paper and setting up your account. If you're getting started for the first time, ask Claude to "set up Common Paper" and it will guide you through creating your first templates.