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

# Alternative Setup Methods

> Set up DataGen with CLI, Direct Connect, Claude Desktop, or Cursor

<Note>
  **Using Claude Code?** The fastest path is the [DataGen Plugin](/guide/quickstart) -- it handles authentication, MCP configuration, CLI, and SDK setup automatically.
</Note>

## Method 1: Direct Connect (Claude Pro/Max)

Connect directly from Claude's web interface without installing anything.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Claude Settings">
    * Go to [claude.ai](https://claude.ai) and sign in
    * Click your profile icon then **Settings**
    * Navigate to **Connectors** in the sidebar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add DataGen Connector">
    * Scroll to the bottom and click **"Add custom connector"**
    * Enter the MCP Name: `DataGen`
    * Enter the MCP server URL: `https://mcp.datagen.dev/mcp`
    * Click **"Add"** to complete the connection
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ready to Use">
    DataGen tools are now available in Claude web, mobile, and desktop.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Works on Claude web interface, mobile apps, and Claude Desktop for Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers.
</Note>

***

## Method 2: DataGen CLI

Works with Claude Code, Claude Desktop, and other MCP clients.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the CLI">
    ```bash theme={null}
    curl -fsSL https://cli.datagen.dev/install.sh | sh
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Login">
    ```bash theme={null}
    datagen login
    ```

    This opens a browser for OAuth and saves your API key to your shell profile.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure MCP">
    ```bash theme={null}
    datagen mcp
    ```

    Follow the prompts to configure Claude Code, Claude Desktop, or other clients.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Don't have an API key? [Sign up at datagen.dev](https://datagen.dev) to get one.
</Note>

***

## Method 3: Manual Configuration (Claude Desktop)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Claude Desktop Settings">
    * Install and Launch [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download)
    * Click the Settings icon -> **Developer** -> **Edit Config**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Configuration">
    Copy and paste this into your Claude Desktop config:

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "mcpServers": {
        "datagen": {
          "command": "npx",
          "args": [
            "mcp-remote",
            "https://mcp.datagen.dev/mcp"
          ]
        }
      }
    }
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart">
    Close and reopen Claude Desktop to load the new MCP connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Requires Node.js/npm installed on your system for the `npx` command.
</Note>

***

## Method 4: Claude Code CLI

```bash theme={null}
claude mcp add --transport http datagen https://mcp.datagen.dev/mcp
claude mcp list
```

## Method 5: Cursor IDE

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/datagen/XiQh5_6Ylsll-cnZ/images/claude_mcp.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XiQh5_6Ylsll-cnZ&q=85&s=a4db8fe2bb0b43343a706eebe68c03a3" alt="Cursor MCP configuration" width="1960" height="1414" data-path="images/claude_mcp.png" />

1. Open Cursor and go to MCP settings
2. Choose **Type**: "Command"
3. In the **Command** field, enter:
   ```
   npx mcp-remote https://mcp.datagen.dev/mcp
   ```

***

## Verify Your Connection

Test your connection in any Claude interface:

<Card title="Test Connection" icon="play">
  Ask Claude: **"List all available DataGen tools"**

  You should see tools like `executeCode`, `searchTools`, `addRemoteMcpServer`, and `createCustomTool`.
</Card>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="exclamation-triangle" title="DataGen tools not showing up">
    1. Verify your JSON configuration is valid (use a JSON validator)
    2. Ensure you restarted Claude Desktop after adding the config
    3. Check that `npx` is installed and accessible in your terminal
    4. Try running `datagen mcp` again to reconfigure
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="wifi-off" title="Connection timeout errors">
    1. Check your internet connection
    2. Verify the URL: `https://mcp.datagen.dev/mcp`
    3. If behind a corporate firewall, contact your IT team about MCP access
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="key" title="Authentication issues">
    1. Verify your API key is correct: `datagen login`
    2. Some tools require OAuth authentication -- use `addRemoteMcpServer` to connect external services
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="terminal" title="CLI installation failed">
    1. Ensure you have curl installed: `which curl`
    2. Try running with sudo: `sudo sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://cli.datagen.dev/install.sh)"`
    3. Manual install: Download from [GitHub releases](https://github.com/datagendev/datagen-cli/releases)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Support

* **Community**: [Discord](https://discord.gg/6nfr4hh38r)
* **Email**: [support@datagen.dev](mailto:support@datagen.dev)
* **1:1 Onboarding**: [Book a session](https://cal.com/yusheng/datagen-on-board-1-1)