Needle
FreeNeedle 官方集成,提供开箱即用的生产级 RAG,用于搜索和检索自有文档。
FreeFree tier
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About Needle
Needle MCP Server is an open-source Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables easy retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for large language models. It allows users to organize, store, and search documents—including PDFs, DOCX, and XLSX files—using Needle's semantic search capabilities. The server integrates seamlessly with Claude Desktop and Needle collections, providing long-term memory and instant access to buried data. It can be used remotely (recommended) without local setup or installed locally via UV and Git.
Key Features
Document management: organize and store documents for quick retrieval
Semantic search via Claude's large language model for natural language queries
Easy integration with Claude Desktop and Needle collections
Supports multiple file formats: PDF, DOCX, XLSX
Remote MCP server available (Streamable HTTP or SSE) – no local setup required
Local installation option with UV and Git
Standardizes LLM connection to external data sources via Model Context Protocol
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source and free to use
- Simple integration with Claude Desktop and Needle ecosystem
- Supports common document formats (PDF, DOCX, XLSX)
- Offers both remote (no setup) and local installation options
- Uses standardized MCP protocol for broad compatibility
Cons
- Requires a Needle API key and dependency on Needle's platform
- Limited to Needle's indexing and retrieval capabilities
- Local installation requires UV and Git, may be complex for non-developers
Best For
Enabling RAG for AI assistants to answer questions from proprietary documentsProviding long-term memory for LLM applicationsSearching through large collections of PDFs, DOCX, and XLSX files using natural languageIntegrating document retrieval into Claude Desktop workflowsBuilding agent-based systems that need external knowledge retrieval
FAQ
What is Needle MCP Server?
Needle MCP Server is an open-source server that implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to manage documents and perform natural language searches using Needle. It acts as long-term memory for LLMs, allowing them to retrieve information from documents stored in Needle collections.
How do I install Needle MCP Server?
There are two methods: 1) Remote (recommended): Configure Claude Desktop or Cursor to use the remote MCP server at https://mcp.needle.app/mcp with your Needle API key. 2) Local: Clone the repository from GitHub, install UV via Homebrew, and set up the config file with your API key.
What file formats are supported?
The server supports common document formats including PDF, DOCX, and XLSX files, making data from these files instantly accessible to LLMs via semantic search.
Is Needle MCP Server free?
The server is open source and free to use, but it requires a Needle account and API key. The Needle platform may have its own pricing plans for storage and usage.