---
url: https://pencel.ai/docs/integrations/custom-servers.md
description: >-
  Advanced. Connect a tool that isn't in Pencel's list by adding a custom
  server, picking one from the public registry, or importing the servers you set
  up in Claude Desktop.
---

# 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.

::: warning 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](https://pencel.ai/docs/privacy-and-security/approval-workflows.html).

## 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.

## Related

* [Connect your accounts](https://pencel.ai/docs/guides/setting-up-connections.html)
* [Integrations](https://pencel.ai/docs/integrations/overview.html)
* [Data handling](https://pencel.ai/docs/privacy-and-security/data-handling.html)