Installation
Ardot provides two ways to connect MCP:
- Remote MCP: Connect via a cloud URL. Suited for most day-to-day collaboration; no need to install the Ardot client locally.
- Desktop MCP: Served in the background by the Ardot client when a design file is open; operates directly on the design file currently open on your machine.
Comparison
| Remote MCP | Desktop MCP | |
|---|---|---|
| Client | No client install required | Ardot client installed, with a design file open |
| Auth | Usually OAuth on first use | Enable via the Desktop MCP setup flow |
| Limits | MCP calls are rate-limited; see Permissions & billing | Same as editing a design file; no extra limits |
How to choose
- Need to read or edit large design files → use Desktop MCP
- With large files, Remote MCP API responses may be slow
- If the client can open the file, you can operate on it—no file size limit
- Your AI agent's environment cannot install the Ardot client → use Remote MCP
- Remote environments such as servers cannot install the Ardot client
- Any tool environment that can reach
https://ardot.tencent.com/can use Remote MCP
- Need many edit operations → use Desktop MCP
- Remote MCP API call frequency is limited
When unsure, start with Remote MCP or Quick Start.