MCP Server Integration

Viz Arc includes an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that enables integration with AI assistants and development tools. MCP is an open standard (now under the Linux Foundation) that provides a universal way to connect AI tools to external data and capabilities.

Compatible MCP Clients

The Viz Arc MCP server works with any MCP-compatible client, including:

Architecture Overview

Benefits

• Work with multiple AI tools, not locked to one provider.

• Use your existing AI subscriptions.

• Access Viz Arc documentation and templates from your preferred tool.

• Create and modify templates through natural conversation.

• Work alongside the main Viz Arc application.

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Locate the MCP Server

Find VizArc.McpServer.exe in your Viz Arc installation:

Step 2: Configure Your MCP Client

Configuration varies by client. Below are examples for popular MCP clients.

Claude Desktop

1. Open configuration file: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json.

2. Add the configuration:

   {

   "mcpServers": {

   "vizarc": {

   "command": "C:\\Program Files\\Vizrt\\Viz Arc\\VizArc.McpServer.exe",

   "args": []

   }

   }

   }

3. Restart Claude Desktop completely (check system tray).

ChatGPT Desktop

1. Open ChatGPT Desktop settings.

2. Navigate to MCP Servers section.

3. Add new server with command: C:\Program Files\Vizrt\Viz Arc\VizArc.McpServer.exe.

4. Restart ChatGPT Desktop.

Cursor

1. Open Cursor Settings (CTRL + ,).

2. Navigate to MCP section.

3. Add server configuration:

   {

   "vizarc": {

   "command": "C:\\Program Files\\Vizrt\\Viz Arc\\VizArc.McpServer.exe",

   "args": []

   }

   }

4. Restart Cursor.

VS Code with GitHub Copilot

1. Open VS Code Settings (CTRL + ,).

2. Search for MCP.

3. Edit settings.json and add:

   {

   "github.copilot.chat.mcpServers": {

   "vizarc": {

   "command": "C:\\Program Files\\Vizrt\\Viz Arc\\VizArc.McpServer.exe",

   "args": []

   }

   }

   }

4. Reload VS Code.

Windsurf

1. Open Windsurf's MCP Plugin Store.

2. Search for VizArc or add custom server.

3. Set command path: C:\Program Files\Vizrt\Viz Arc\VizArc.McpServer.exe.

OpenAI Codex CLI

Step 3: Verify Connection

After configuring your MCP client:

1. Start a new conversation.

2. Ask: "What Viz Arc tools do you have access to?".

The AI should respond with information about available Viz Arc tools.

Example Prompts

For documentation queries (Viz Arc not required)

• "Show me the available parameter types in Viz Arc"

• "How do callbacks work in Viz Arc templates?"

• "What is the difference between SetControlObject and UpdateTemplate?"

For live template work (Viz Arc must be running)

• "What template do I have open in Viz Arc?"

• "Add a text input parameter called 'headline' to my current template"

• "Show me the control objects available in my template"

• "Link the 'score' parameter to the 'ScoreText' control object"

Available AI Tools

Static Tools (Always Available)

These tools work without Viz Arc running:

Dynamic Tools (Require Viz Arc Running)

These tools require Viz Arc to be running and a valid AI license:

Modifying Parameters

When using modify_current_template, you can update various parameter properties:

Supported Color Formats

• Hex: #FF5500 or #AARRGGBB

• RGB function: RGB(255, 85, 0)

• Comma-separated: 255, 85, 0

• JSON object: {"R": 255, "G": 85, "B": 0}

Troubleshooting

AI Prompt Panel Not Visible

Cause: AI license not valid or not available.

Solution:

1. Verify AI license status in System > Configuration > Info.

2. Contact your Vizrt representative if license is missing.

MCP Server Not Connecting

Check 1: Configuration file syntax

• Ensure claude_desktop_config.json has valid JSON syntax.

• Verify double backslashes in Windows paths.

Check 2: Executable path

• Confirm VizArc.McpServer.exe exists at the specified path.

• Test by running the executable directly in a terminal.

Check 3: Restart Claude Desktop

• Fully quit Claude Desktop (check system tray icon).

• Relaunch the application.

"AI License Required" Error

Cause: Valid AI license not detected.

Solution:

1. Ensure Viz Arc is running.

2. Verify AI license in System > Configuration > Info.

3. Contact your Vizrt representative for license issues.

Documentation Not Loading

Check that the documentation folder exists: %ProgramData%\Vizrt\VizArc\Resources\MCP\AI_Documentation\.

If missing, reinstall Viz Arc or contact support.

Dynamic Tools Not Working

Cause: Viz Arc application not running.

Solution:

1. Start Viz Arc.

2. Load a template in template editor.

3. Try the tool again.