---
title: "RunAPI MCP Server — 130+ AI Models for Claude Code, Cursor & VS Code"
url: "https://runapi.ai/mcp.md"
canonical: "https://runapi.ai/mcp"
locale: "en"
---

# RunAPI MCP Server

Connect Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, and any MCP-compatible host to RunAPI — generate images, videos, music, and call LLMs without leaving your editor.

## What Is RunAPI MCP Server?

RunAPI MCP Server connects MCP-compatible coding tools to the RunAPI platform. It lets your AI assistant browse 130+ models across 18 providers, inspect input parameters, check real-time pricing, create media generation tasks, poll task status, check your account balance, and call LLM endpoints — all from within your editor. Discovery tools work without an API key. Authenticated operations require a RunAPI API key.

## Tools

| Tool | Auth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| list_models | No | Browse models by modality, service, or action. |
| get_model_info | No | Inspect input params, constraints, and pricing for a model. |
| list_actions | No | Group endpoint action names by output modality. |
| check_pricing | No | Return pricing snapshot for a service + action + model. |
| create_task | Yes | Create a media task and optionally poll until completion. |
| get_task | Yes | Fetch status and latest payload for an existing task. |
| check_balance | Yes | Return account balance and spending metrics. |
| chat | Yes | Send messages to a RunAPI LLM endpoint. |

## Quick Start

Choose the command for your MCP client.

### Claude Code

```bash
claude mcp add runapi -s user -- npx -y @runapi.ai/mcp
export RUNAPI_API_KEY="runapi_xxx"
claude
```

Use project scope when you want the repo to share `.mcp.json`:

```bash
claude mcp add runapi -s project -- npx -y @runapi.ai/mcp
```

### Codex

```bash
codex plugin install runapi-mcp@agents
export RUNAPI_API_KEY="runapi_xxx"
codex
```

### Cursor

```bash
npx @runapi.ai/mcp init cursor
export RUNAPI_API_KEY="runapi_xxx"
cursor .
```

### Windsurf

```bash
npx @runapi.ai/mcp init windsurf
export RUNAPI_API_KEY="runapi_xxx"
windsurf .
```

### VS Code

```bash
npx @runapi.ai/mcp init vscode
export RUNAPI_API_KEY="runapi_xxx"
code .
```

### Roo Code

```bash
npx @runapi.ai/mcp init roo
export RUNAPI_API_KEY="runapi_xxx"
code .
```

Free catalog tools work without a key.
Set `RUNAPI_API_KEY` for `create_task`, `check_balance`, and `chat`.
For GUI-launched clients, add the variable in the client's environment settings.

## Model Coverage

- **Image** — Flux Kontext, Nano Banana, GPT Image, Seedream, Ideogram, Qwen
- **Video** — Kling, Veo, Seedance, Hailuo, Wan, Runway, Luma
- **Music** — Suno v4 / v4.5 / v5 / v5.5
- **Audio** — ElevenLabs TTS, Sound Effects, STT, Isolation
- **LLM** — Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek

## FAQ

### Do I need an API key to use RunAPI MCP Server?

Discovery tools like list_models, get_model_info, list_actions, and check_pricing work without an API key. For task creation, balance checks, and LLM chat, you need a free RunAPI API key from the dashboard.

### Which coding tools are supported?

RunAPI MCP Server works with any MCP-compatible host: Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code (via GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Roo Code. It can also be configured with any tool that supports the MCP protocol.

### What AI models can I access through the MCP server?

Over 130 models across 18 providers and 5 modalities: image generation (Flux, Nano Banana, GPT Image), video generation (Kling, Veo, Seedance), music creation (Suno), audio (ElevenLabs), and LLMs (Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek).

### How do I install the MCP server?

Use the command for your client. Claude Code uses claude mcp add runapi -s user -- npx -y @runapi.ai/mcp. Codex uses codex plugin install runapi-mcp@agents. Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, and Roo Code use npx @runapi.ai/mcp init <platform>. No global npm install required.

### Is the MCP server free?

The MCP server itself is free and open-source (Apache 2.0). API usage is billed through your RunAPI account with pay-as-you-go pricing. No subscriptions or minimum spend.

### Can I use the MCP server in CI or headless environments?

Yes. Set the RUNAPI_API_KEY environment variable and configure the MCP server in your agent or CI pipeline. The server runs as a stdio process and does not require a browser or GUI.


## Links

- [Model catalog](https://runapi.ai/models)
- [CLI](https://runapi.ai/cli)
- [SDKs](https://runapi.ai/sdk)
- [Skills](https://runapi.ai/skills)
- [Pricing](https://runapi.ai/pricing)
- [API docs](https://runapi.ai/docs)
- [GitHub](https://github.com/runapi-ai/mcp)
- [npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@runapi.ai/mcp)