> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://differentai-automation-changelog-v0-18-47-34930490677.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add a custom MCP server

> Connect a custom or local MCP server that is not available through OpenWork Connect

<Note>
  **Local workspace setup.** Custom MCP servers are supported without an OpenWork Cloud account, so this path stays free and local to the current workspace. For a connection managed and assigned by your organization, use [OpenWork Cloud Connectors](/cloud/share-with-your-team/shared-mcp-connections).
</Note>

Use this guide only when you need a custom or local MCP server that is not available through OpenWork Connect.

For Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Slack, Notion, Linear, and other
managed services, follow [Connect your services](/start-here/connect-your-stack/connect-services).

Connecting a custom app with OpenWork takes four clicks.

* In the desktop app, open `Settings` > `Library`, expand `Advanced settings`, then click `Add workspace MCP`

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/differentai-automation-changelog-v0-18-47-34930490677/P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy/images/library-advanced-settings.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy&q=85&s=5c39b5622a37350c16359acbd60d596c" alt="Library page with Advanced settings expanded, showing the Add workspace MCP button" width="2880" height="1800" data-path="images/library-advanced-settings.png" />
</Frame>

The MCP is added to the current workspace.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/differentai-automation-changelog-v0-18-47-34930490677/P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy/images/library-add-mcp-modal.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy&q=85&s=a8bb3fca22a9e7ce7d2117928e758be3" alt="Add workspace MCP dialog with app name, server URL, and OAuth options" width="2880" height="1800" data-path="images/library-add-mcp-modal.png" />

  Indicate whether the server requires OAuth.
</Frame>

This setup is intended for servers that support dynamic OAuth client registration.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/differentai-automation-changelog-v0-18-47-34930490677/P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy/images/mcp-oauth-approval-page.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy&q=85&s=033cb1725d0df2fefa32a602304c3c2e" alt="OAuth approval page for MCP server" width="2320" height="1406" data-path="images/mcp-oauth-approval-page.png" />
</Frame>

Complete the provider's OAuth approval flow in your browser. It should redirect
back to OpenWork. If a custom MCP needs behavior OpenWork does not support,
[open an issue](https://github.com/different-ai/openwork/issues/).

### Troubleshooting

Some MCP servers do not support dynamic client registration. If the server gives you a pre-registered OAuth client ID and client secret, add it through `Add workspace MCP` > `OAuth on this device`.

<Note>
  Workspace MCPs are local to you. To share an MCP App with the organization as a dashboard, add it in OpenWork Cloud **Connectors** and see [Dashboards](/cloud/share-with-your-team/dashboards).
</Note>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/differentai-automation-changelog-v0-18-47-34930490677/P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy/images/mcp-dynamic-registration-error.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=P_5y_qM1TyphWFIy&q=85&s=cd825bbcf509cb4fb6ed16a5b053d681" alt="Error when MCP server does not support dynamic client registration" width="1348" height="1152" data-path="images/mcp-dynamic-registration-error.png" />
</Frame>