Step 8: Connect Claude Code to Zotero MCP

8a. Edit the configuration file

Claude Code reads the MCP configuration from ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json. This is the same location used by Claude Desktop. Create or edit this file:

mkdir -p ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude
nano ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Insert the following (or add the zotero section to an existing file):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zotero": {
      "command": "zotero-mcp",
      "env": {
        "ZOTERO_LOCAL": "true"
      }
    }
  }
}

Save with Ctrl + O, Enter, then Ctrl + X.

8b. Verify the MCP configuration

zotero-mcp setup-info

This shows the installation path and the configuration as Zotero MCP sees it. Note down the userID shown — you will need it in the next step.

8c. Configure Claude Code permissions

Claude Code's permission settings for this vault are stored in .claude/settings.local.json. This file contains your home path and Zotero library ID, so it is not checked into version control. Generate it from the template using the setup script:

cd ~/Documents/ResearchVault
./setup.sh

The script:

1. Auto-detects your home path
2. Asks for your Zotero library ID (the userID from zotero-mcp setup-info)
3. Writes .claude/settings.local.json with the correct paths

Note: If you ever move your vault or reinstall tools, re-run ./setup.sh to regenerate the file.