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

# Claude Desktop

> Connect Claude Desktop to Extole and manage your referral programs with natural language.

Connect your Extole programs to Claude Desktop and manage referrals with natural language.

Claude Desktop is the app version of Anthropic's Claude. Once connected to Extole, you can run reports, check program performance, and make changes to your programs directly in Claude -- without opening My.Extole.

> Looking for Claude Code? If you work in the terminal, see the [Claude Code guide](/technical-docs/extole-ai/extole-mcp/setup-claude-code) instead.

***

## Requirements

Every person who wants to use the Extole MCP must complete setup individually.

You'll need:

* The latest version of [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download) installed
* An active Extole user account

***

## Setup

Choose your authentication method. See the [MCP authentication guide](/technical-docs/extole-ai/extole-mcp/mcp-authentication) if you're not sure which to use.

***

### Option 1: OAuth (Recommended)

OAuth provides the fastest setup -- no manual key management required.

**Step 1: Open Claude Desktop settings**

In Claude Desktop, navigate to **Settings > Connectors**.

**Step 2: Add a custom connector**

Click **Add custom connector**.

**Step 3: Configure the connector**

Fill in the following:

* **Name** -- `Extole`
* **Remote MCP Server URL** -- Paste the following:

`Extole`

Click **Add**.

**Step 4: Authorize the connection**

Click **Connect** next to the Extole connector. Your browser will open to an Extole authorization page. Review the permissions and click **Authorize**.

Extole will create an access token linked to your user account.

**Step 5: Verify the connection**

In a chat, click the **+** icon, then **Connectors**. Your Extole connector should appear as enabled.

***

### Option 2: API Key

Use this method if you need centralized key management or if your organization doesn't use OAuth.

**Step 1: Get your API key**

Generate one at the [My.Extole Security Center](https://my.extole.com/security-center#access-token).

**Step 2: Open Claude Desktop settings**

Navigate to **Settings > Developer**.

**Step 3: Edit the config file**

Click **Edit Config**. This opens `claude_desktop_config.json`. Add the following to the `mcpServers` key:

`claude_desktop_config.json`

Replace `<YOUR_API_KEY>` with your Extole API key.

**Step 4: Restart Claude Desktop**

Save the file and restart Claude Desktop.

**Step 5: Verify the connection**

Navigate to **Settings > Developer** and click **Extole**. You should see a `running` status badge.

***

### Option 3: Extole CLI (Quickest for developers)

If you have the [Extole CLI](/extole-cli) installed, one command configures everything:

`mcpServers`

Restart Claude Desktop -- done. The CLI auto-detects the config file location and writes the MCP server entry for you. To remove the registration: `extole serve remove`.

***

## Using the MCP

Once connected, Claude Desktop uses the Extole MCP automatically when you ask questions about your programs or request changes.

Open a chat and enter a prompt, for example:

> *"Show me the performance report for my refer-a-friend program this month."*

> *"What reward is currently configured for the friend offer in my main campaign?"*

> *"Increase the advocate reward in the summer promotion to \$20."*

The first time Claude uses an Extole tool, you'll be prompted to approve it. Click **Allow once** or **Allow always** to proceed.

> **Write operations** -- Actions that modify programs, rewards, or campaign components execute immediately under your Extole permissions and are recorded in the Extole change log. Review prompts carefully before approving write operations.

***

## Troubleshooting

**"No tools available"** -- Restart Claude Desktop after editing the config file. Verify the JSON is valid (no trailing commas).

**"Unauthorized"** -- Your token may be incorrect or expired. Regenerate it at the [My.Extole Security Center](https://my.extole.com/security-center#access-token).

**Config file location (for manual setup):**

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