Common Paper integrates with large language models in two ways: through the MCP server for MCP-compatible tools like Claude Cowork, Claude Code, Cursor, and ChatGPT, and through the Claude Skill. Both let you manage your agreements in plain language without leaving your AI assistant.

Common Paper's MCP server connects MCP-compatible AI tools - like Claude Cowork, Claude Code, Cursor, and ChatGPT - directly to your Common Paper account, so you can manage agreements through natural language.

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.

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, Cursor, and ChatGPT are below.

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:

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.

Run the following command in your terminal:

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.

Add the following to your ~/.cursor/mcp.json file:

Cursor initiates an OAuth process to authenticate you with Common Paper. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection.

You can connect the Common Paper MCP server in ChatGPT as a custom connector. Custom connectors are part of ChatGPT's developer mode, which is available on paid ChatGPT plans.

Open ChatGPT and go to Settings > Apps & connectors > Advanced settings. Toggle on Developer mode.

Return to Apps & connectors and click Create. Enter the following:

Click Create. ChatGPT initiates an OAuth process to authenticate you with Common Paper. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection.

To use Common Paper in a conversation, start a new chat, click the + button next to the message box, select More, and turn on Common Paper. You need to do this in each new chat.

The setup instructions above cover Claude Cowork, Claude Code, Cursor, and ChatGPT - the MCP clients we've configured and tested. Common Paper's MCP server can work with other MCP-compatible clients too, but each one needs to be reviewed and enabled on our end before it will connect successfully.

If you're using a different MCP client and run into a connection error, contact our support team with the name of the client and a screenshot of the error. We'll review it and let you know once it's set up.

For full technical details, see the Common Paper MCP API documentation.

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.

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.

In a Cowork session, send Claude the following message:

Claude will install the skill automatically.

Download the SKILL.md file from GitHub, then open Claude and go to Customize > Skills. Upload the file there.

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.

Once connected, you can ask Claude to:

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.