Introduction

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard way for AI tools to talk to outside apps and services. When you connect your own MCP server, you're giving your Lofty Cowork a direct line to a tool or service you already use, so it can pull information or take actions there without you needing to leave the conversation.

Before you start, you'll need three things from whoever manages the MCP server you want to connect:

• The server's web address (URL)
• Which connection type it uses (see "Transport" below)
• Any login information it requires (usually an API key or token if it isn't Oauth)

Find Custom Connectors

To connect your MCP, start on the Cowork tab and click Customize, then Connectors and +.

Add Custom MCP

In this form you will fill out the details of the MCP like the name, description, and URL. 

Name
A label you choose so you can recognize this connection in your list later. This is just for you, it doesn't need to match anything technical.

Description
A short note about what this connection is for. This is for your own reference.

Transport
This tells your assistant how to talk to the server. There are two options:

• Streamable HTTP — the standard, modern way for two systems to exchange information back and forth. Use this unless the service you're connecting to specifically tells you to use the other option.
• SSE (Server-Sent Events) — an older method that works similarly but is being phased out industry-wide. Choose this only if the server you're connecting to specifically requires it.

If you're not sure which to pick, use Streamable HTTP first. Most modern services support it.

URL
The web address of the MCP server you're connecting to. This must be a secure address (starting with https://). It has to be a public web address, not something only accessible on a private network.

Authorization Method

This is the way Lofty will access the MCP server. Most use Oauth to grant access. 

Oauth

If you select Oauth, Lofty will open the URL you input and you will be taken to the login screen. 

Headers
Think of headers as a note attached to every message your assistant sends to that server. Most often, this is used to prove who you are, like a password or access key that the outside service checks before it responds. The service you're connecting to will tell you exactly what header name and value to enter (for example, a header called "Authorization" with a key they gave you).

You can add more than one header if the service requires it, using the "+ Add header" link.

What happens after you connect

Once saved, your assistant can see and use whatever tools that MCP server offers, directly inside your conversations. For example, if you connect a server that manages a calendar, your assistant could look up or create events on it when you ask.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding this topic or any others, please reach out to our Support Team via email at support@lofty.com, by phone at 1 (855) 981-7557, or by chat with us through your Lofty CRM.