> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/en/mcp/start.md).

# Getting started with MCP

{% hint style="info" %}
What is Laplace MCP integration?\
It isn't a new AI tool to adopt. It connects Laplace's cleaned-up data to the AI you already use (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.).\
Once connected, you can ask questions like these right in your usual chat window: "What were sales last week?", "Find products with poor ad efficiency", "Pull this month's top 10 best sellers".
{% endhint %}

## Requirements <a href="#plan" id="plan"></a>

| Plan                      | MCP access                         |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Free trial                | ✅ Up to 100 calls during the trial |
| Starter                   | ❌ Not available                    |
| Growth · Pro · Enterprise | ✅                                  |

* The plan is checked based on the **project owner**. Invited members follow the owner's plan.
* If you're on a free trial, connect right away using the **Laplace account login** method below.
* If the requirements aren't met, the AI shows a notice instead of an answer. Fixes for each notice are listed in [Troubleshooting](/guide/en/mcp/troubleshooting.md).
* Laplace's **Settings** › **Developer** menus (**API key** · **MCP usage** · **Tools**) are visible regardless of plan. On a plan that can't use them, a lock reason such as **Plan upgrade required** appears below the menu name.

## Which connection method should I use? <a href="#how" id="how"></a>

There are two ways to connect. Choose the one that fits your AI.

| Method                                         | Best for                                                      | What you need                |
| ---------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| **Laplace account login (OAuth, recommended)** | Using Claude, ChatGPT, or Perplexity on the web or app        | Just a Laplace account       |
| **API key**                                    | Using developer tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, or VS Code | An API key issued in Laplace |

In most cases, **Laplace account login** is all you need. You don't have to issue an API key.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can also jump straight to each guide using the Claude · ChatGPT · Perplexity connection buttons in the info box at the top of the **Settings** › **Developer** › **API key** screen.
{% endhint %}

## Which AIs can I use it with? <a href="#ai" id="ai"></a>

| AI tool           | Supported     | Connection method | Notes                                                                                          |
| ----------------- | ------------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Claude (web/app)  | ✅ Recommended | Account login     | Easiest to set up, so we recommend Claude if you're new                                        |
| ChatGPT           | ✅ Recommended | Account login     | Turn on developer mode in settings, then register                                              |
| Perplexity        | ✅ Paid        | Account login     | Available on Pro or higher paid plans                                                          |
| Claude Code (CLI) | ✅             | API key           | Developer tool. Register with a single command                                                 |
| Cursor / VS Code  | ✅             | API key           | Developer tool. Usable if you have a developer on hand                                         |
| Gemini            | ⚠️ Partial    | API key           | Only available in the developer **`Gemini CLI`**; the regular app and web aren't supported yet |

## Supported MCP clients <a href="#mcp-1" id="mcp-1"></a>

Choose the AI you'll connect with Laplace account login, then follow its guide.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th align="center"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">Claude (web/app) - (OAuth)</td><td><a href="https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-dde024ed5c3eada27ddebb6d472af88c3ec808e5%2Fclaude%20(1).png?alt=media">claude (1).png</a></td><td><a href="/guide/en/mcp/start/claude.md">Claude (web/app) - (OAuth)</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">ChatGPT</td><td><a href="https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-23e4df4647d3b24450033fa6fc280e8e9757d321%2Fchatgpt.png?alt=media">chatgpt.png</a></td><td><a href="/guide/en/mcp/start/chatgpt.md">ChatGPT</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">Perplexity</td><td><a href="https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6baf335028494929f155c9e30ea3094d9104357d%2Fperplexity.png?alt=media">perplexity.png</a></td><td><a href="/guide/en/mcp/start/perplexity.md">Perplexity</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Issuing an API key <a href="#api" id="api"></a>

You only need this when using developer tools such as Claude Code, Cursor, or VS Code.

1. Click **Settings** at the bottom of the left rail, then click **Developer** › **API key** in the navigation panel.

   ![API key screen](https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8a6f1c2359b3a47aa9c6eb8805ccb263e9c5ba70%2Fmcp__start__01.png?alt=media)
2. Click **Issue key** at the top right. In the **Issue a new API key** window, fill in **Name** and **Description**, choose an **Expiry** period (**30 days**, **90 days**, **1 year**, **Never**), and click **Issue key**.

   <figure><img src="https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7501831f7a4b35f9852b50f84a9c11d73f38e0f4%2Fmcp__start__02.png?alt=media" alt="Issue a new API key window" width="585"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. In the completion window, click **Copy** and store the API key somewhere safe. Check **I've saved the key somewhere safe**, then click **Done**.

   <figure><img src="https://616205588-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fqr1veGyUqCNwQBBmk3yt%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-07bd8f5b475e1c3f946d13a207b739db6867a41c%2Fmcp__start__03.png?alt=media" alt="API key issued window" width="400"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
You can only view the API key right after it's issued. If you lose it, click **Revoke key** from the menu on the existing key's row and issue a new one.\
An API key connects to only the one project it was issued in. We recommend an expiry of 90 days.
{% endhint %}

## Registering MCP <a href="#mcp" id="mcp"></a>

After you issue an API key, **Claude Code, Cursor, Claude Desktop, and VS Code** appear under **Pick the tool to connect** in the completion window. Choose your tool, then copy and paste the command from the **Copy the command** step to finish registering. For Cursor, you can also install in one click with the **Install in Cursor** button.

{% hint style="info" %}
The MCP server address is **`https://gateway.laplacetec.com/mcp`**.
{% endhint %}

## After connecting <a href="#next" id="next"></a>

* [Try asking these after connecting](/guide/en/mcp/use.md): first questions, example questions by role, and what the AI can do
* [Troubleshooting](/guide/en/mcp/troubleshooting.md): when you can't connect or a notice appears
* [Security and permissions](/guide/en/mcp/security.md): the scope of data the AI can see and how to disconnect

## Ask your dedicated manager <a href="#contact" id="contact"></a>

Have a question about MCP integration?

Contact us through the inquiry page below. Your account manager will help you connect.

> 💬 [Contact us on our website](https://www.analytics.laplacetec.com/contact)

**Email:** [**product@laplacetec.com**](mailto:product@laplacetec.com)