> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dashtray.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Claude Desktop Setup

> Connect Dashtray to Claude Desktop via MCP

# Claude Desktop Integration

Get notifications from Claude Desktop directly to your phone.

## Prerequisites

* Claude Desktop app installed
* Dashtray account with API key
* API key copied (don't lose it!)

## Step 1: Get Your API Key

1. Go to [Dashtray Dashboard](https://web.dashtray.app/settings/api-keys)
2. Generate a new API key named "Claude Desktop"
3. Copy the full key immediately

Example: `sk_test_a1b2c3d4e5f67890a1b2c3d4e5f67890a1b2c3d4e5f67890`

## Step 2: Configure Claude Desktop

### macOS

1. Open Claude Desktop
2. Click the menu (⋮) → **Settings**
3. Go to **Developer** → **MCP Servers**
4. Click **Add Server**
5. Fill in the configuration (edit `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` on macOS or `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json` on Windows):

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "dashtray": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@dashtray/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "DASHTRAY_API_KEY": "sk_test_a1b2c3d4e5f67890a1b2c3d4e5f67890a1b2c3d4e5f67890"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

6. Save the file
7. Restart Claude Desktop

### Windows

1. Open Claude Desktop
2. Click the menu (⋮) → **Settings**
3. Go to **Developer** → **MCP Servers**
4. Edit the config (same as macOS, at `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`)
5. Click **Save**
6. Restart Claude Desktop

## Step 3: Test the Integration

In Claude Desktop, try this prompt:

```
Send me a notification saying "Claude Desktop is connected to Dashtray!"
```

You should see a notification on your device within seconds.

## Configuration Details

The configuration tells Claude Desktop to:

1. Run the Dashtray MCP server via `npx` (downloads the published `@dashtray/mcp-server` package automatically; Node 18+ required)
2. Pass your API key via the `DASHTRAY_API_KEY` environment variable
3. Enable the `send_notification` tool

## Troubleshooting

**Tool not showing up in Claude?**

* Check that the API key is correct
* Restart Claude Desktop completely
* Check the Claude logs for errors

**Notifications not arriving?**

* Verify the API key in the configuration
* Check that the Dashtray app is installed and logged in
* Ensure notifications are enabled in your device settings

**Connection error?**

* Check your internet connection
* Verify the API key hasn't been revoked
* Try generating a new API key

## Using the Tool

Once connected, Claude can send notifications like:

**In any conversation:**

* "Send a notification that I'm done analyzing this code"
* "Let me know when this task finishes"
* "Notify me about this important finding"

**Example use cases:**

* Get alerted when Claude completes long analyses
* Receive notifications about important findings
* Get reminders during brainstorming sessions
* Confirm when tasks are done

## Next Steps

* 📖 Read [MCP Tools](/mcp/tools) documentation
* 🔧 See [MCP Examples](/mcp/examples) for more ideas
* 🤖 Try Cline for [automation workflows](/integration/cline)


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