Chroma MCP Server
Embeddings, vector search, document storage, and full-text search. Build semantic search and RAG applications.
- Maintained by
- Chroma
- Hosting
- Runs locally on your machine
- Authentication
- None beyond local access
- Last checked
Default is an ephemeral client; pass --client-type persistent/http/cloud for other setups.
How to connect the Chroma MCP server
Pick your AI client and paste the snippet. New to this? Our guide to how MCP clients and servers fit together explains what each piece does.
Claude Code
claude mcp add --transport stdio chroma \
-- uvx chroma-mcpClaude Desktop
{
"mcpServers": {
"chroma": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"chroma-mcp"
]
}
}
}Fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop after saving.
Full Claude Desktop setup guide →Cursor
{
"mcpServers": {
"chroma": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"chroma-mcp"
]
}
}
}VS Code
{
"servers": {
"chroma": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"chroma-mcp"
]
}
}
}Frequently asked questions
What is the Chroma MCP server?
It is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server — a small piece of software that gives AI assistants like Claude a secure, governed connection to Chroma. Embeddings, vector search, document storage, and full-text search. Build semantic search and RAG applications.
Is there an official Chroma MCP server?
Yes. The Chroma MCP server is an official integration, maintained by the vendor or the Model Context Protocol project, which makes it the safest default for business use. It is maintained by Chroma.
Is the Chroma MCP server hosted, or do I run it myself?
It runs locally. Your AI client starts it on your own machine with uvx, and it talks to the client over standard input and output rather than the network.
Do I need an API key for the Chroma MCP server?
No. It runs on your machine with your own permissions, so there is no key to create.
What can an AI assistant actually do with Chroma?
Through this server an assistant can work with vector search, embeddings, documents, full-text search — reading from and acting on Chroma directly instead of you copy-pasting between windows. What you allow it to do is controlled by the permissions you grant.
How do I set this up for my business?
The setup section above has copy-paste config for Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor and VS Code. If you want it rolled out across a team with permissions, governance and support handled, that is what Crox's Build engagement covers.
New to MCP? Start with our plain-English guide to the Model Context Protocol or see how to connect AI to your business tools without writing code .
Want this connected to your business — with governance handled?
Crox maps your processes, connects AI to the tools you already use, and keeps it working as models change. Start with a readiness assessment or talk to us about a build.