# How to use the Makeform MCP server in Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, and other clients

Connect your MCP client to `https://mcp.makeform.ai` using Streamable HTTP and OAuth or a Makeform API key. The server is free to use and lets your agent create drafts, edit forms, and work with submissions.

**Is it free?** Yes. MCP access is free, with a limit of 60 requests per minute; features such as translation still require Pro.

## Steps

1. [Create a Makeform API key](/help/integrations/api-keys).
2. Put the key in an environment variable named `MAKEFORM_API_KEY`. Never commit it or put it in browser code.
3. Add the server using the configuration or command for your client below.
4. Restart or reload your client.
5. Ask your agent to call `get_workflow_guide` first, then try `list_forms`.

## Configure your client

For clients that read an `mcpServers` JSON file, such as Cursor's `mcp.json`, use:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "makeform": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.makeform.ai",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${MAKEFORM_API_KEY}"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

For Codex CLI, run:

```sh
codex mcp add makeform --url https://mcp.makeform.ai --bearer-token-env-var MAKEFORM_API_KEY
```

For Claude Code, run:

```sh
claude mcp add --transport http makeform https://mcp.makeform.ai --header "Authorization: Bearer $MAKEFORM_API_KEY"
```

:::callout{type="info"}
Use Streamable HTTP. The Makeform MCP server does not support SSE.
:::

## Follow the draft and publish workflow

`create_form_from_prompt` creates a draft. For changes, call `propose_form_edit` followed by `apply_form_edit`, which uses an edit token. `publish_form` previews first and requires a second call with `confirm_publish` set to `true`.

You can also use tools for submissions, exports, analytics, embeds, webhooks, email notifications, duplication, and workspace information. These include `list_submissions`, `get_submission`, `export_submissions`, `get_form_stats`, `get_analytics_summary`, `get_submission_trend`, `get_form_embed`, `update_email_notification`, `duplicate_form`, and `get_workspace`.

## FAQ

### Do I have to use an API key?

No, the server supports OAuth as well as `Authorization: Bearer <Makeform API key>`. The [Claude connector guide](/help/integrations/connect-makeform-to-claude) covers signing in with your Makeform account.

### Which tasks still require the dashboard?

Deleting forms, custom domains, editing webhook headers or templates, CAPTCHA setup, and custom email recipients are dashboard-only. Use the dashboard for those tasks.

### Can an agent manage webhooks and translations?

Webhook tools include `create_webhook`, `list_webhooks`, `test_webhook`, and the two-step `delete_webhook`. The `translate_form` tool requires Pro.

### Is there an API for scripts in other languages?

Yes, the REST API at `https://api.makeform.ai` uses the same API key. Machine-readable documentation is available at `https://www.makeform.ai/llms.txt` and `https://www.makeform.ai/agents.md`.

Makeform is a free AI form builder: describe what you want to collect and it builds the form for you, with unlimited forms and submissions on the free plan.

## Related

- [Connect Makeform to Claude](/help/integrations/connect-makeform-to-claude)
- [Create an API key](/help/integrations/api-keys)
- [Webhooks](/help/integrations/webhooks)
- [Developer resources](/help/developer)