Connect Windsurf to shads

Install

Add this to the config file:

mcp_config.json (Cascade panel → MCPs → Open MCP config file)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shads": {
      "serverUrl": "https://mcp.shads.app"
    }
  }
}

Use the panel's Open MCP config file action: the file location has moved between releases.

Add your API key (optional)

Skip this for public themes. Pro adds your saved themes and AI generation.

Create a key in Account settings → API keys (Pro plan). Keep it out of git.

Export SHADS_API_KEY in your shell profile, then use:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shads": {
      "serverUrl": "https://mcp.shads.app",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${env:SHADS_API_KEY}"
      }
    }
  }
}

Check that it works

Open the Cascade panel's MCPs menu and check that shads is toggled on.

Then ask your assistant:

Use the shads MCP server and run connection_status.

It returns the server version, whether your API key was accepted, and which tools are unlocked.

Try it

• Use shads to install the Workspace theme in this repo.
• Use shads to list the starter themes.
• Use shads to validate this theme.json.

More jobs: recipes.

Troubleshooting

• Tools do not show up. Cascade caps the total number of enabled tools at 100. Disable servers you do not need.

More general fixes: MCP troubleshooting. Vendor documentation: Windsurf MCP docs (checked 2026-10-19).