Your library, meet your assistant.
Iris ships with a built-in MCP server, so Claude and other AI assistants can search your photo library — locally, on your Mac, with your permission.
What it does
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that lets AI assistants talk to apps. Iris's MCP server exposes your library's search to any MCP-capable client — ask Claude for "the beach photos from the summer Grandma visited" and it can actually go look.
It works the way everything in Iris works: locally. The server runs on your Mac, the assistant connects on your Mac, and your photos and metadata never leave your Mac. It's off until you turn it on, and you stay in control of what's reachable.
Setting it up
Enable the MCP server in Iris's Settings, then connect your client. For Claude Desktop, the easiest path is the pre-built connector bundle:
- Download Iris.mcpb and double-click it — Claude Desktop installs the connection for you.
- Other MCP clients can connect using the server details shown in Iris's Settings.
Questions, or using a client that needs different plumbing? Email hello@irisphotos.app — I'm happy to help.
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