Install Sidekick without MCPB

For AI assistants that support MCP but not Claude's extension format.

You'll need an MCP-compatible AI assistant like Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf installed first.

What is MCPB?

MCPB (MCP Bundle) is Claude's native extension format that enables one-click installation of MCP servers. If you're using Claude Desktop, you can use the simpler MCPB installation instead.

However, not all MCP clients support this format yet. If you're using Cursor, Windsurf, or another MCP-compatible tool, download the standalone server below.

Version 1.0.6 — see what's new →

macOS

Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)

indesign-sidekick-v1.0.6-4cff3f6-arm64.pkg

Intel (x64)

indesign-sidekick-v1.0.6-4cff3f6-x64.pkg

Windows

ARM64

indesign-sidekick-v1.0.6-4cff3f6-arm64.exe

64-bit (x64)

indesign-sidekick-v1.0.6-4cff3f6-x64.exe

32-bit (x86)

indesign-sidekick-v1.0.6-4cff3f6-x86.exe

I got a "Windows protected your PC" message

Our installers aren't signed yet, so Windows shows a SmartScreen warning. To proceed:

Click More info
Click Run anyway

This is how you install it:

1. Get the InDesign plugin

Install the Sidekick plugin inside InDesign from Adobe Exchange. This is what lets your AI assistant talk to InDesign.

2. Run the installer

Double-click the downloaded installer and follow the prompts.

3. Verify installation

Open a terminal and run the command to see available options:

❯ indesign-sidekick
VERSION
  @indesign-mcp/server/0.1.6 darwin-arm64 node-v20.19.6

USAGE
  $ indesign-sidekick [COMMAND]

COMMANDS
  register    Register Sidekick with Claude Desktop
  start       Start the InDesign MCP server
  unregister  Unregister Sidekick from Claude Desktop

4. Configure your MCP client

For Claude Desktop: Run this command to register Sidekick automatically:

indesign-sidekick register