> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.defdex.io/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.defdex.io/_mcp/server.

# DefDex in Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop reads MCP servers from its config file. DefDex uses an API key header, so
the desktop app connects through the `mcp-remote` bridge (Node.js 18+).

## 1. Open the config

In Claude Desktop, open **Settings → Developer → Edit Config**. This opens
`claude_desktop_config.json`.

## 2. Add DefDex

**`claude_desktop_config.json`**

```json title="claude_desktop_config.json"
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "defdex": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://app.defdex.io/mcp", "--header", "Authorization:${AUTH_HEADER}"],
      "env": { "AUTH_HEADER": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" }
    }
  }
}
```

Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your key. Keep `Authorization:${AUTH_HEADER}` as one argument
with no space after the colon; the bridge fills it from `env`. This file now holds your
key, so don't share or commit it.

## 3. Restart and verify

Quit and reopen Claude Desktop. DefDex appears under the tools menu in a new chat.

## 4. Try it

```text
Use DefDex to compare Lockheed Martin's and RTX's obligated DoD awards in FY2025, with sources.
```

## Claude on the web

Custom connectors on claude.ai sign in with OAuth, which DefDex doesn't offer yet. Use
Claude Desktop or [Claude Code](/agents/claude-code) for now.

## Troubleshooting

* **DefDex doesn't appear.** Check the JSON is valid and that `npx` works in a terminal, then restart the app.
* **401 Unauthorized.** Check the `AUTH_HEADER` value starts with `Bearer ` and the key isn't revoked.