How to set up the Dropbox Dash MCP server

The Dropbox Dash MCP local server enables seamless integration of Dash search directly within your favorite apps, so you can stay focused without switching tabs or interrupting your workflow.

Built on the open-source Model Context Protocol (MCP) standard, it provides a simple way to connect Dash with the tools you use every day. The Dash MCP server is ideal for:

• Developers using IDEs like Cursor
• Sales and support teams accessing live customer data
• Anyone who needs quick access to Dash knowledge inside their daily apps

Available tools

The Dash MCP server exposes the following set of tools:

• dash_get_auth_url: Starts the Dropbox OAuth process and returns an authorization URL for the user to approve access.
• dash_authenticate: Completes OAuth using a one-time authorization code to obtain and store an access token.
• dash_company_search: Searches company content indexed by Dropbox Dash with optional file type and result limits.
• dash_get_file_details: Retrieves detailed metadata and optional content snippets for a specific file identified by its UUID.

Before you begin

Before installing and running the MCP server, you need to create a Dropbox app to obtain API credentials.

To create a Dropbox app:

1. Go to the Dropbox App Console.
2. Click Create app.
3. Configure your app:
   • API: Scoped access
   • Access type: Full Dropbox
   • App name: Enter a unique name
4. Click Permissions, then enable:
   • files.metadata.read
   • files.content.read
5. Copy your credentials:
   • Click Settings.
   • Copy the App key.
     • Note: Make sure to securely store your app key. You’ll need them when configuring the Dash MCP Server.
6. Customize your app (Optional):
   • Click Branding, then add a name, icon, and description.

How to set up the Dash MCP server

Step 1: Install the server

1. Clone the repository:

Step 2: Add the Dash server to your MCP client

Tell your MCP-compatible client (Claude, Cursor, Goose, etc.) how to launch and connect to the Dash server by adding the following configuration to its settings file.

Common configuration

Update this JSON with your installation path and Dropbox credentials:

Using Claude

1. Click Settings, then Developer.
2. Click Local MCP Servers, then Edit Config.
3. Add the JSON above.
4. Restart Claude Desktop.

Using Cursor

1. Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P or Ctrl+Shift+P).
2. Search for “View: Open MCP Settings”.
3. Add the JSON configuration to the mcp.json file.

Using Goose

1. Click Extensions, then Add Custom Extension.
2. Fill out the form:
   • Name: Dropbox Dash Search
   • Type: STDIO
   • Command: uv --directory /path/to/mcp-server-dash/ run src/mcp_server_dash.py
   • APP_KEY: Your Dropbox App key
3. Click Add Extension

Coming soon

• Dash remote MCP server: A new remote server for Dropbox Dash, enabling secure, centralized access to company knowledge and improved team collaboration.
• More tools: We’ll continually improve the tools to optimize your workflows and maximize Dash’s features.