About alexbakers/mcp-ipfs
mcp-ipfs is a Node.js server implementing the Model Context Protocol (MCP) for interacting with the storacha.network platform via the w3 command-line interface (@web3-storage/w3cli). It wraps w3 commands to provide MCP tools for authentication, space management, data upload/download, delegations, keys/tokens, advanced storage (blob, CAR, upload, index, access claim, Filecoin info), and account billing. Designed for seamless integration with AI models and other MCP clients, it enables managing storacha.network spaces, uploading/downloading data, managing delegations, and performing various other tasks. Prerequisites include Node.js 22+ and global installation of w3cli.
Key Features
Wraps w3 CLI for native storacha.network integration
Authentication tools: w3_login, w3_reset, w3_account_ls
Space management: w3_space_ls, w3_space_use, w3_space_info, w3_space_add, w3_space_provision
Data management: w3_up, w3_ls, w3_rm
Sharing via w3_open (generates w3s.link URL)
Delegations/Proofs: w3_delegation_create, w3_delegation_ls, w3_delegation_revoke, w3_proof_add, w3_proof_ls
Keys/Tokens: w3_key_create, w3_bridge_generate_tokens
Advanced storage: blob, CAR, upload, index, access claim, Filecoin info via w3 can commands
Account billing: w3_plan_get, w3_coupon_create, w3_usage_report
Supports NPX and Docker deployment with MCP clients
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Native integration with storacha.network and w3 CLI
- Comprehensive set of MCP tools covering most w3 commands
- Easy to configure with NPX or Docker for local/cloud use
- Open source and actively maintained on GitHub
- Supports multiple deployment methods for flexibility
Cons
- Requires Node.js version 22 or higher
- w3 CLI must be installed globally and authenticated manually
- Some commands (e.g., w3_space_create) have interactive prompts and must be run outside MCP
- Filesystem paths handled differently between NPX and Docker, requiring careful configuration
- Limited to storacha.network (not general IPFS or Filecoin networks)
Best For
Managing storacha.network spaces and storageUploading and downloading data to/from IPFS via storacha.networkCreating and managing delegations for access controlGenerating and managing API keys and tokensTracking account usage and billing reportsIntegrating IPFS storage capabilities into AI applications via MCPAutomating w3 CLI operations through MCP-compatible assistants
FAQ
What is mcp-ipfs?
mcp-ipfs is a Node.js server that implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to provide a bridge between AI models and the storacha.network IPFS storage platform via the w3 command-line interface.
How do I use mcp-ipfs with my MCP client?
Configure your MCP client to launch the server using either NPX (npx -y mcp-ipfs) or Docker (docker run -i --rm -v /path:/path -e W3_LOGIN_EMAIL alexbakers/mcp-ipfs). Set the W3_LOGIN_EMAIL environment variable to the email used for w3 login.
What are the prerequisites?
Node.js 22+ and global installation of @web3-storage/w3cli. You must also run 'w3 login your-email@example.com' and verify via email before using the server.
What operations can I perform with mcp-ipfs?
You can manage storacha.network spaces, upload/download data, create/revoke delegations, manage keys and tokens, perform advanced storage operations (blob, CAR, upload, index, access claim, Filecoin info), and access account billing functions.
Is mcp-ipfs free and open source?
Yes, it is open source under the included license and free to use. You only pay for storacha.network storage services if applicable.