# Claude Desktop Setup

Official source: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11175166-get-started-with-custom-connectors-using-remote-mcp

Claude Desktop may support Core through remote custom connectors or through a desktop extension package, depending on the current Claude plan and app version.

Claude Desktop is different from Claude Code. Do not use `claude mcp add` or Claude Code config commands for Claude Desktop.

## Remote Connector

If Claude Desktop offers custom connectors:

1. Open Claude Desktop.
2. Open Settings.
3. Go to Connectors.
4. Choose Add custom connector.
5. Name the connector `Core`.
6. Paste this URL:

```text
https://core.gradien.ai/mcp
```

7. Approve the Core login or permissions screen.
8. Restart Claude Desktop if the tools do not appear.

## Desktop Extension

If your Core account provides a Claude Desktop extension:

1. Download the Core desktop extension from Core.
2. Open Claude Desktop.
3. Open Settings.
4. Go to Extensions.
5. Install the downloaded Core extension.
6. Paste a Core connector key only if Claude Desktop asks for it.
7. Restart Claude Desktop.

## Verify

Open a fresh Claude Desktop chat after setup. Core tools should appear in the available connector/tool list once the connector is loaded and authenticated.