Jan
Jan adds MCP servers in its own settings window. There is no file to edit.
Set your expectations
Many open models don’t handle tools well. Read what to expect from local models.
1. Add CADshift
- Open Jan and go to Settings → MCP Servers.
- Click the + sign in the upper right-hand corner of the MCP box.
- Fill in the form:
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Server Name | cadshift-autocad |
| Command | C:\Users\YOUR-NAME\AppData\Local\Programs\CADshift\AutoCAD MCP\server\cadshift-mcp-autocad.exe |
| Arguments | leave empty |
| Environment Variables | leave empty |
Replace YOUR-NAME with your Windows user name (how to find the path). In this form, use single backslashes.
- Check that cadshift-autocad shows as activated in the list.
2. Turn on tool use for your model
- A model on your PC: enable tool calling in the model’s parameters: click the edit button in Model Capabilities and turn tools on.
- A cloud model (for example Claude: add your API key under Settings → Model Providers → Anthropic): pick a model that shows tools in the model picker. No separate tool switch is needed.
3. Check that it worked
- Open AutoCAD with a drawing.
- In Jan, ask: “Use CADshift to list the layers in the open drawing.”
- Jan shows an approval panel with the exact request before each tool call. Allow it.
If you’d rather not approve every call, Settings → MCP Servers has Allow All MCP Tool Permissions. Leave it off unless you trust what you are asking for: CADshift tools can change your drawing.
If Jan can’t start the server, check the path in the Command box and restart Jan. More in Troubleshooting.
Official guide: MCP in Jan.
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