SimpleURL MCP Server Guide: Connect AI to Your Links, QR Codes & Domains

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for SimpleURL connects your AI tools directly to your link management workspace. Whether you use Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, or custom automation agents, you can generate short links, customize QR codes, and manage branded domains using natural language.

What is the SimpleURL MCP Server?

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI applications to securely call external tools and access live data.

SimpleURL exposes a remote, Server-Sent Events (SSE) MCP server. Once configured in your AI assistant, your AI can perform real actions in your SimpleURL account without requiring you to switch back and forth between browser tabs.

Key Capabilities

Create & Manage Short Links: Generate short links with custom keywords, tags, or default domains on the fly.
Dynamic QR Code Generation: Instantly generate downloadable, customizable QR codes for any destination.
Branded Domain Management: List your custom domains, register new ones, and verify DNS configuration in real time.
Knowledge Base Lookup: Let your AI reference official SimpleURL documentation, limits, and best practices directly.

Prerequisites

To connect to the SimpleURL MCP Server, you need:

An active SimpleURL account.
A SimpleURL API Key.
An MCP-compatible client (e.g., Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, or LibreChat).

Step 1: Generate Your API Key

Authentication is required for all MCP interactions to protect your account and enforce plan limits.

Log in to your SimpleURL Dashboard.
In the left navigation, navigate to Settings → API Keys (or go to https://www.simpleurl.tech/manage/url-shortener/settings/api-keys).
Click Generate New API Key, label it (e.g., Claude Desktop MCP), and copy the generated key.

[!IMPORTANT] Keep your API key confidential. Anyone with your key can create, edit, or delete links and QR codes associated with your workspace.

Step 2: Configure Your AI Client

SimpleURL supports authentication via a query parameter (?apiKey=YOUR_API_KEY) or an HTTP header (X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY).

Option A: Claude Desktop

To add SimpleURL to Claude Desktop, edit your claude_desktop_config.json file:

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Add the following configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "simpleurl": {
      "url": "https://www.simpleurl.tech/mcp/sse?apiKey=YOUR_SIMPLEURL_API_KEY"
    }
  }
}

Alternatively, if your client environment requires an npx bridge:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "simpleurl": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://www.simpleurl.tech/mcp/sse",
        "--header",
        "X-API-Key: YOUR_SIMPLEURL_API_KEY"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Restart Claude Desktop after saving the configuration file.

Option B: Cursor / Windsurf / Cline

If you are using an IDE with built-in MCP support:

Open Settings → MCP / Features.
Click Add New MCP Server.
Set the configuration:
- Type / Transport: SSE
- Server URL: https://www.simpleurl.tech/mcp/sse?apiKey=YOUR_SIMPLEURL_API_KEY
Save and toggle the server On.

Step 3: Test the Connection

You can verify that your MCP endpoint is reachable and your API key is valid using curl from your terminal:

curl -N "https://www.simpleurl.tech/mcp/sse?apiKey=YOUR_SIMPLEURL_API_KEY"

If authentication succeeds, the server returns an HTTP 200 response and begins streaming the SSE session endpoint:

event: endpoint
data: /mcp/message?sessionId=...

Available Tools & Capabilities

When connected, your AI assistant automatically gains access to the following tools:

Tool	Description
`createShortUrl`	Creates a new short link. Accepts destination URL, optional custom keyword, branded domain, and optional QR code flag.
`getShortUrl`	Fetches details and destination address for a specific short link.
`listShortUrls`	Lists short URLs owned by your account, with pagination support.
`deleteShortUrl`	Permanently deletes a short URL.
`createQrCode`	Generates a standalone QR code with custom foreground and background colors.
`getQrCode`	Retrieves details and SVG/PNG rendered data for an existing QR code keyword.
`listBrandedDomains`	Lists all custom branded domains registered on your account, along with their status (`ACTIVE`, `PENDING`, etc.).
`addBrandedDomain`	Initiates setup for a new custom branded domain.
`getBrandedDomain`	Checks domain DNS verification details and expected CNAME / TXT records.
`getKnowledgeBase`	Provides your AI assistant with official SimpleURL documentation, FAQs, and setup instructions.

Example Prompts for Your AI

Once connected, you can interact with SimpleURL conversationally:

"Shorten https://mycompany.com/blog/how-to-launch with custom slug launch2026 using my branded domain go.mybrand.com."
"Generate a branded short link for my new portfolio and give me a matching QR code with dark blue dots."
"Show me my 5 most recently created short links."
"Check the DNS status of my custom domain links.mybrand.com."

Permissions & Safety

Plan Scoping: All operations strictly adhere to your active SimpleURL subscription limits (e.g., domain limits, monthly short link allowances, and feature access).
Domain Verification: You can only generate short links on domains that are either SimpleURL defaults (smplu.link, simpleurl.tech) or branded domains verified and active on your account.
URL Safety Scanning: Links submitted via MCP undergo the same automated real-time malware and spam scans as links created via the web dashboard.

What is the SimpleURL MCP Server?​

Key Capabilities​

Prerequisites​

Step 1: Generate Your API Key​

Step 2: Configure Your AI Client​

Option A: Claude Desktop​

Option B: Cursor / Windsurf / Cline​

Step 3: Test the Connection​

Available Tools & Capabilities​

Example Prompts for Your AI​

Permissions & Safety​