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Getting Started

This guide will walk you through creating your account and deploying your first MCP server on ToolBoost.

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A valid email address
  • An AI client that supports MCP (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, etc.)

Step 1: Create Your Account​

  1. Visit toolboost.dev/sign-up
  2. Enter your email address and create a password
  3. Click "Create Account"
  4. Verify your email address (check your inbox)

Your account comes with:

  • Free tier: 10 deployed MCPs
  • 10,000 API requests per month
  • Access to the entire MCP catalog

Step 2: Create a Project​

After signing in, you'll be taken to your dashboard.

  1. Click "Create Project" or navigate to Dashboard → Projects
  2. Enter a project name (e.g., "My First Project")
  3. Optionally add a description
  4. Click "Create"

What is a Project?​

A project is a container for your deployed MCPs. Each project has:

  • Unique API Key: Used to authenticate requests
  • Deployed MCPs: The MCP servers you've added
  • Usage Analytics: Track requests and performance
  • Team Access: Invite team members (Pro plan)

Step 3: Save Your API Key​

After creating your project, you'll see your API key. Copy and save it securely - you won't be able to see the full key again.

Your API Key: tb_1234567890abcdef...
Important

Keep your API key secret! Don't commit it to version control or share it publicly.

You can always regenerate your API key from the project settings if needed.

Step 4: Browse the MCP Catalog​

Now let's find an MCP to deploy:

  1. Click "Catalog" in the navigation menu
  2. Browse through the available MCPs or use the search bar
  3. You can filter by category or sort by popularity

For beginners, we recommend starting with these popular MCPs:

  • Filesystem MCP - Simple file operations, great for learning
  • Memory MCP - Persistent storage for AI conversations
  • Time MCP - Get current date/time information

Step 5: Deploy Your First MCP​

Let's deploy the Filesystem MCP as an example:

  1. Go to the Catalog

  2. Search for "filesystem" or find it in the "Development" category

  3. Click on the Filesystem MCP card

  4. On the MCP detail page, you'll see:

    • Overview and description
    • Available tools
    • Environment variables (if any)
    • Configuration examples

  5. Select your project from the dropdown in the sidebar

  6. Click "Deploy Server"

Configure Environment Variables​

Some MCPs require environment variables (like API keys or database URLs). If required:

  1. A dialog will appear showing the required variables
  2. Fill in the values (marked with * are required)
  3. Click "Attach & Save Config"

For the Filesystem MCP, you might need to configure:

  • ALLOWED_DIRECTORIES: Comma-separated list of directories the MCP can access
tip

You can always update environment variables later from your project dashboard.

Step 6: Get Your Connection URL​

After deployment, you'll see a success message. Now let's get your connection URL:

  1. Scroll to the "Use" section in the sidebar
  2. You'll see your Connection URL:
https://toolboost.dev/server/modelcontextprotocol/servers-filesystem/mcp?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY
  1. Below that, you'll find configuration examples for different clients

Step 7: Connect to Your AI Client​

Choose your AI client and follow the configuration guide:

Example: Claude Desktop​

For Claude Desktop, copy this configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "serverUrl": "https://toolboost.dev/server/modelcontextprotocol/servers-filesystem/mcp?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY"
    }
  }
}

Add it to your claude_desktop_config.json file:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Then restart Claude Desktop.

Step 8: Test Your MCP​

Let's verify everything is working:

Using the Toolspector (Built-in Testing)​

  1. Go back to the MCP detail page
  2. Click the "Toolspector" tab
  3. Select a tool from the list
  4. Fill in any required parameters
  5. Click "Execute" to test the tool

Using Your AI Client​

Open your AI client (e.g., Claude Desktop) and try a command that uses your MCP:

For Filesystem MCP:

Can you list the files in my documents folder?

For Memory MCP:

Remember that my favorite color is blue.

If the MCP is working, your AI client will use the MCP's tools to fulfill the request!

Next Steps​

Congratulations! You've successfully:

  • Created your ToolBoost account
  • Created a project
  • Deployed your first MCP
  • Connected it to your AI client

What to do next:​

  1. Browse More MCPs - Discover more MCP servers
  2. Manage Environment Variables - Learn to configure MCPs
  3. Monitor Usage - Track your API usage
  4. Deploy Multiple MCPs - Add more capabilities

Troubleshooting​

MCP Not Showing Up in Client​

  • Make sure you restarted your AI client after updating the config
  • Verify your API key is correct in the connection URL
  • Check that the configuration file path is correct

Environment Variable Errors​

  • Review required variables in the MCP detail page
  • Update variables from Project Dashboard → MCPs → Configure
  • Some variables may need specific formats (URLs, tokens, etc.)

Connection Errors​

  • Verify your internet connection
  • Check that your API key hasn't been regenerated
  • Ensure you're on a supported plan for the number of MCPs deployed

Get Help​

Need assistance?