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Custom connections ​

If a tool your business uses isn't in Pencel's list, you can often still connect it. Many tools publish a connector that follows the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for connecting AI apps to tools. Pencel can use any of them.

This is an advanced option. You'll usually need a command or web address from the tool's documentation or from whoever built the connector.

Only connect what you trust

Pencel hasn't reviewed custom connectors. A connector that runs on your computer runs with your account's permissions and can read and change your files. Only add one from a source you trust.

Three ways to add one ​

All three start in Settings ▸ Connections.

Add a custom server ​

  1. Click Add Connection, then click the Custom Server tile at the bottom of the list.
  2. Enter a Connection Name, such as "Inventory system".
  3. Choose how the connector runs:
    • stdio for a program that runs on your computer. Enter the Command (for example npx, uvx, node or python) and its Arguments (for example -y @acme/inventory-connector).
    • HTTP for a connector hosted at a web address. Enter its URL. This form has no place for a key or sign-in, so use it for connectors that don't need one.
  4. Click Connect.

Pick one from the public registry ​

  1. Type what you're looking for in the Search all connections... box. Matches appear under From MCP Registry. (Or click Add Connection and open the Browse Registry tab.)
  2. Click Add next to the one you want. Entries marked Unsupported can't be added this way.
  3. In the form that opens, check the Command is npx and the Arguments are -y followed by the package name shown on the entry. Fill them in if they're empty, add a Connection Name, then click Connect.

Import from Claude Desktop ​

If you already set up connectors in Claude Desktop, bring them all across at once.

  1. Click Add Connection.
  2. Next to Already using Claude Desktop?, click Import.

Imported connections arrive disconnected, so nothing runs until you say so. Review each one on the Installed tab and click Connect on those you want.

Confirming a local program ​

The first time a connector needs to run a program on your computer, Pencel shows Run a local program? with the exact command. Click Run this command only if you recognize it, or Cancel. Once you approve a command, Pencel doesn't ask again for that exact command. If the command changes, it asks again. It refuses outright to run a connector through a command shell such as bash or PowerShell.

The card on the Installed tab also shows the command a connector runs, so you can check it before clicking Connect.

What needs your approval ​

Actions the connector marks as read-only run without asking. Everything else asks you first, the same as any connection. To let routine actions run freely, use Manage Tools (below). See Approvals and permissions.

Disconnect or change what it can do ​

Open the card's ⋯ menu on the Installed tab:

  • Manage Tools: switch individual actions off everywhere, or choose which run without asking in chats and workflows under Auto-Approval (None, All tools or Custom). Click Save changes. Rooms keep their own approvals.
  • Edit: enter a new command, arguments or URL. A changed command asks for confirmation again.
  • Test Connection: check that the connector responds.
  • Disconnect stops it for now. Remove deletes it.