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

# MCP

Missive uses MCP in two directions: the assistant reaching out to third-party apps, and AI apps like Claude and ChatGPT reaching into your Missive data.

[Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) is an open standard that lets AI models connect to external tools and data. Missive supports it in both directions, and the two are easy to mix up.

|                                                      | What it does                                                                                                        | Direction                          |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| [**MCP integrations**](/docs/ai/mcp/integrations.md) | Give Missive's AI assistant access to Notion, Linear, Attio, Stripe, and other tools while you work inside Missive. | Missive reaches out to another app |
| [**MCP server**](/docs/ai/mcp/server.md)             | Work with your Missive conversations, contacts, and calendar from Claude, ChatGPT, or another AI app.               | Another app reaches into Missive   |

Use MCP integrations when you want more context inside Missive. Use the MCP server when you want your Missive data available in a chat somewhere else.

You can use both at once. They are configured in different places and have nothing to do with each other.

## Which one do I want?

**"I want the Missive assistant to look up a customer in our CRM before drafting a reply."** That's an [MCP integration](/docs/ai/mcp/integrations.md). Set it up in **Settings** > **Integrations**.

**"I want to ask Claude what's in my Missive inbox this morning."** That's the [MCP server](/docs/ai/mcp/server.md). Set it up in Claude, then approve the request in Missive.

## Related

* [Assistant](/docs/ai/using-ai/assistant.md)
* [Setting up AI](/docs/ai/setup.md)
* [Integrations](/docs/advanced-features/integrations.md)


---

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