glyphs-info-mcp 1.3.1
Unified MCP server for Glyphs handbook and API queries
License: MIT
Requires Python: >=3.10

**English** | [繁體中文](README.zh-TW.md)

# Glyphs info MCP

A unified MCP server integrating Glyphs handbook queries and API reference lookups for [Glyphs](https://glyphsapp.com/) font design software.

## 🚀 Quick Start

### Requirements

- **Python 3.10+**
- **uv package manager** - MCP officially recommended
- **Claude Desktop** - For running the MCP server
- **macOS**

### Installation

#### Method 1: Using uvx (Recommended)

**Step 1: Install uv**

```bash
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
```

**Step 2: Configure Claude Desktop**

Edit `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "glyphs-info": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["glyphs-info-mcp"]
    }
  }
}
```

Restart Claude Desktop and you're ready to go!

---

#### Method 2: Install from Source (Developers)

**Prerequisites**: uv installed (see Method 1 Step 1)

```bash
# Clone with submodules
git clone --recursive https://github.com/yintzuyuan/glyphs-info-mcp.git
cd glyphs-info-mcp

# Install dependencies
uv sync
```

Configure Claude Desktop (`~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "glyphs-info-mcp": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "--directory",
        "/Users/username/glyphs-info-mcp",
        "run",
        "glyphs-info-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Replace `/Users/username/glyphs-info-mcp` with your actual **absolute path**.

---

### Verify Installation

```bash
uv run glyphs-info-mcp
```

You should see:

```
✅ Glyphs info MCP Server initialized with 8 unified tools
```

## ✨ Features

- 🔍 **Unified Search** - Smart query routing with automatic content type detection
- 🌏 **Multilingual UI Terms** - Support for Glyphs UI terminology in 14 languages
- 📚 **Complete Handbook** - All Glyphs official handbook content
- 🔌 **Full API Reference** - Python and Objective-C API documentation
- 🧠 **Smart Cross-referencing** - Automatic linking of related content
- 🛠️ **MCP Protocol Compatible** - Standardized tool interface
- 📦 **Plugin Templates as Resources** - Python and Xcode templates for plugin development

## 🎁 MCP Resources

MCP resources provide direct access to plugin development templates through Claude Desktop.

### Python Plugin Templates (Issue #33)

8 Python templates for converting scripts to plugins:

- `glyphs://plugin-template/filter_without_dialog` - Filter without UI
- `glyphs://plugin-template/filter_dialog_with_vanilla` - Filter with Vanilla UI
- `glyphs://plugin-template/filter_dialog_with_xib` - Filter with XIB UI
- `glyphs://plugin-template/reporter_without_dialog` - Reporter plugin
- `glyphs://plugin-template/palette_with_vanilla` - Palette with Vanilla
- `glyphs://plugin-template/general_without_dialog` - General plugin
- `glyphs://plugin-template/fileformat` - File format plugin
- `glyphs://plugin-template/selecttool` - SelectTool plugin

### Xcode Plugin Templates (Issue #34)

7 Xcode templates for native Objective-C plugin development:

- `glyphs://xcode-template/reporter` - Reporter plugins (.glyphsReporter)
- `glyphs://xcode-template/filter` - Filter plugins (.glyphsFilter)
- `glyphs://xcode-template/palette` - Palette plugins (.glyphsPalette)
- `glyphs://xcode-template/tool` - Tool plugins (.glyphsTool)
- `glyphs://xcode-template/file_format` - File format plugins
- `glyphs://xcode-template/plugin` - General plugins
- `glyphs://xcode-template/plugin_base` - Base template

**Access Methods**:

- **Via Claude Desktop**: Resources automatically appear in the MCP resources list
- **Via Tools**:
  - Python: `sdk(action='list_python_templates')` and `sdk(action='get_python_template', template_id='...')`
  - Xcode: `sdk(action='list_xcode_templates')` and `sdk(action='get_xcode_template', template_id='...')`

**Placeholder Formats**:

- Python: `____PluginClassName____`, `____PluginName____`, `____PluginMenuName____`
- Xcode: `___PACKAGENAMEASIDENTIFIER___`, `___FILENAME___`, `___PACKAGENAME___`, `___FULLUSERNAME___`

### Python Plugin Samples (Issue #37)

6 complete Python plugin examples with source code:

- `glyphs://python-sample/callback_for_context_menu` - Context menu callback example
- `glyphs://python-sample/document_exported` - Document export hook
- `glyphs://python-sample/multipletools` - Multiple tools in one plugin
- `glyphs://python-sample/plugin_preferences` - Plugin preferences handling
- `glyphs://python-sample/plugin_with_window` - Plugin with custom window
- `glyphs://python-sample/smiley_panel_plugin` - Panel plugin example

### Xcode Plugin Samples (Issue #37)

4 complete Xcode/Objective-C plugin examples:

- `glyphs://xcode-sample/custom_parameter_ui` - Custom parameter UI
- `glyphs://xcode-sample/inspector_demo` - Inspector panel demo
- `glyphs://xcode-sample/photo_font` - PhotoFont plugin
- `glyphs://xcode-sample/plugin_with_window` - Plugin with window

**Access Methods for Samples**:

- **Via Claude Desktop**: Resources automatically appear in the MCP resources list
- **Via Tools**:
  - Python: `sdk(action='list_python_samples')` and `sdk(action='get_python_sample', sample_name='...')`
  - Xcode: `sdk(action='list_samples')` and `sdk(action='get_sample', sample_name='...')`

## 📋 Feature Overview

### Operating Requirements

| Module | Out-of-box | Network | Glyphs Required |
|--------|:----------:|:-------:|:---------------:|
| Handbook | ✅ | First cache build | - |
| API (Python) | ✅ | - | - |
| API (Obj-C Headers) | - | - | ✅ |
| SDK Documentation | ✅ | - | - |
| mekkablue Scripts | ✅ | - | - |
| Light Table API | ✅ | - | - |
| Vocabulary | - | - | ✅ |
| Plugins (Local) | - | - | ✅ |
| Plugins (Official) | - | ✅ | - |
| News/Tutorials | - | ✅ | - |

> [!TIP]
> **Out-of-box**: Uses bundled GlyphsSDK submodule data, no extra setup needed.
> **Network**: Handbook only needs network for initial cache, then works offline.
> **Glyphs Required**: Reads from local Glyphs app (Headers from GlyphsCore.framework).

### MCP Tools (8 Unified Entry Points)

The server provides 8 unified tools with action-based routing, reducing context token cost by ~85%:

- **handbook** - Glyphs Handbook operations
- **vocabulary** - UI terminology translation (14 languages)
- **api** - Python and Objective-C API reference
- **plugins** - Local and official plugin management
- **scripts** - mekkablue script collection (358+)
- **sdk** - SDK documentation and Xcode templates
- **news** - Forum, tutorials, and news search
- **lighttable** - Light Table version control API

<details>
<summary>Expand full tool list</summary>

#### handbook

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search` | Search handbook content |
| `get` | Get chapter content by filename |
| `toc` | Get table of contents |
| `children` | Get chapter children |
| `parameter` | Get custom parameter details |
| `list_parameters` | List all custom parameters |
| `cache` | Cache management (info/update) |

#### vocabulary

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `translate` | Translate UI term |
| `search` | Search UI terms |
| `mapping` | Get multi-locale translations |
| `categories` | List vocabulary categories |

#### api

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search_python` | Search Python API |
| `get_class` | Get Python class info |
| `get_member` | Get class member info |
| `search_objc` | Search Obj-C headers |
| `get_header` | Get Obj-C header content |
| `list_protocols` | List plugin protocols |
| `get_protocol` | Get protocol methods |
| `convert_objc` | Convert Obj-C to Python name |
| `convert_python` | Convert Python to Obj-C name |
| `identify_method` | Identify method type |
| `get_template` | Get method implementation template |
| `search_vanilla` | Search Vanilla UI components |
| `get_vanilla` | Get Vanilla UI component |
| `list_vanilla` | List all Vanilla UI components |
| `hierarchy` | Get class hierarchy |
| `relationships` | Get class relationships |
| `navigate` | Navigate class structure |

#### plugins

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search_local` | Search local plugins |
| `search_official` | Search official registry |
| `get_info` | Get plugin details |
| `scan` | Scan repositories directory |
| `categories` | List plugin categories |

#### scripts

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search` | Search scripts |
| `get` | Get script details |
| `categories` | List script categories |
| `list` | List scripts in category |

#### sdk

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search` | Search SDK content |
| `get` | Get SDK file content |
| `list_xcode_templates` | List Xcode templates |
| `get_xcode_template` | Get Xcode template |
| `list_python_templates` | List Python templates |
| `get_python_template` | Get Python template |
| `list_samples` | List Xcode samples |
| `get_sample` | Get Xcode sample |
| `list_python_samples` | List Python samples |
| `get_python_sample` | Get Python sample |

#### news

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search_forum` | Search forum discussions |
| `search_tutorials` | Search tutorials |
| `fetch_tutorial` | Fetch tutorial content |
| `fetch_forum` | Fetch forum post |
| `search_posts` | Search news posts |
| `fetch_content` | Fetch news content |

#### lighttable

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `search` | Search Light Table API |
| `get_enum` | Get enum details |
| `list_enums` | List all enums |
| `list_all` | List all API items |

</details>

## 📖 Usage Guide

### Usage Examples

```python
# Handbook queries
handbook(action="search", query="kerning")
handbook(action="get", filename="anchors.md")

# API queries
api(action="search_python", query="GSFont")
api(action="get_class", class_name="GSGlyph")

# UI terminology
vocabulary(action="translate", term="Cancel", target="zh-Hant")
```

### Search Best Practices

- Use core English terminology words
- Prefer single concept keywords
- Utilize automatic query type detection
- Refer to the terminology reference for translations

## 🛠️ Development

### Setup

```bash
# Install development dependencies
uv sync --extra dev

# Install test dependencies
uv sync --extra test
```

### Code Quality

```bash
uv run black src/ tests/      # Formatting
uv run ruff check src/ --fix  # Linting
uv run mypy src/              # Type checking
```

### Testing

```bash
uv run pytest                              # All tests
uv run pytest tests/test_specific.py       # Specific tests
uv run pytest --cov=src/glyphs_info_mcp    # Coverage
```

## 📚 Background

### Development Approach

This project was largely built using **Vibe Coding** iterative development, focusing on rapid feature implementation and practicality.

### Data Sources

- **API Reference**: Converted from [Glyphs official GitHub SDK](https://github.com/schriftgestalt/GlyphsSDK) code
- **Handbook Content**: Scraped from [Glyphs official handbook](https://handbook.glyphsapp.com/) using an internal parser
- **Terminology Translation**: Extracted from Glyphs app localization string files (.strings)

### Recommended Model

After testing, this project works best with **Claude models**. We recommend using it in the Claude Desktop environment for the best experience.

## ❓ FAQ

<details>
<summary>Cannot find uv command</summary>

Restart your terminal, or run `source ~/.zshrc`

</details>

<details>
<summary>Claude Desktop cannot load the MCP server</summary>

1. Ensure the path is an **absolute path** (not relative or using `~`)
2. Check for JSON syntax errors
3. Restart Claude Desktop

</details>

<details>
<summary>Server fails to start</summary>

```bash
uv sync --reinstall
python --version  # Requires 3.10+
```

</details>

## ⚙️ Configuration

### Environment Variables

All paths are auto-detected. Only set these if using non-standard locations:

```bash
# export GLYPHS_APP_PATH=/Applications/Glyphs 3.app
# export GLYPHS_APP_HEADERS_PATH=/Applications/Glyphs\ 3.app/Contents/Frameworks/GlyphsCore.framework/Versions/A/Headers
# export GLYPHS_REPOSITORIES_PATH=~/Library/Application\ Support/Glyphs\ 3/Repositories
```

Or use the `env` field in Claude Desktop configuration:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "glyphs-info": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["glyphs-info-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "GLYPHS_APP_PATH": "/Applications/Glyphs 3.app"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Module Enable/Disable

By default, all modules are enabled. To control specific modules, use environment variables:

**Available modules**: `vocabulary`, `handbook`, `api`, `glyphs_plugins`, `glyphs_news`, `glyphs_sdk`, `light_table_api`, `mekkablue_scripts`

**Whitelist mode** (enable only specified modules):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "glyphs-info": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["glyphs-info-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "GLYPHS_ENABLED_MODULES": "handbook,api"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

**Blacklist mode** (disable specified modules):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "glyphs-info": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["glyphs-info-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "GLYPHS_DISABLED_MODULES": "glyphs_news,glyphs_plugins"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

> If both whitelist and blacklist are set, whitelist takes precedence.

## 🔗 Resources

- [Glyphs Official Website](https://glyphsapp.com/)
- [Glyphs Handbook](https://handbook.glyphsapp.com/)
- [Glyphs Forum](https://forum.glyphsapp.com/)
- [GlyphsSDK](https://github.com/schriftgestalt/GlyphsSDK)
- [MCP Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/)
- [Report Issues](https://github.com/yintzuyuan/glyphs-info-mcp/issues)

## 📄 License

MIT License - see [LICENSE](LICENSE) file.

---

**Glyphs info MCP** - Making Glyphs knowledge queries simple and powerful

*Last updated: 2026-01-05*