# How to integrate Desktime MCP with Claude Code ```json { "title": "How to integrate Desktime MCP with Claude Code", "toolkit": "Desktime", "toolkit_slug": "desktime", "framework": "Claude Code", "framework_slug": "claude-code", "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/claude-code", "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/claude-code.md", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:08:32.821Z" } ``` ## Introduction Manage your Desktime directly from Claude Code with zero worries about OAuth hassles, API-breaking issues, or reliability and security concerns. You can do this in two different ways: - Via [Composio Connect](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_connect&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code) - Direct and easiest approach - Via [Composio SDK](https://docs.composio.dev/docs?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_sdk) - Programmatic approach with more control ## Also integrate Desktime with - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/crew-ai) ## TL;DR - Only one MCP URL to connect multiple apps with Claude Code with zero auth hassles. - Programmatic tool calling allows LLMs to write its code in a remote workbench to handle complex tool chaining. Reduces to-and-fro with LLMs for frequent tool calling. - Handling Large tool responses out of LLM context to minimize context rot. - Dynamic just-in-time access to 20,000 tools across 1000+ other Apps for cross-app workflows. It loads the tools you need, so LLMs aren't overwhelmed by tools you don't need. ## Connect Desktime to Claude Code ### Connecting Desktime to Claude Code using Composio 1. Add the Composio MCP to Claude ```bash claude mcp add --scope user --transport http composio https://connect.composio.dev/mcp ``` ## What is Claude Code? Claude Code is Anthropic's command line developer tool that lets you use Claude directly inside your terminal. Instead of switching between your editor, browser, and chat, you can stay in your project folder and ask Claude to help you build, debug, refactor, and understand code right where you're working. Key features include: - Terminal-Native Experience: Work with Claude directly in your command line without switching contexts - MCP Support: Built-in support for Model Context Protocol servers to extend Claude's capabilities - Project Context: Claude understands your project structure and can read, write, and modify files - Interactive Development: Ask questions, debug code, and get help in real-time while coding - Multi-Platform: Works on macOS, Linux, WSL, and Windows ## What is the Desktime MCP server, and what's possible with it? The Desktime MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Desktime account. It provides structured and secure access to your time tracking, project management, and productivity data, so your agent can perform actions like tracking work hours, managing projects, analyzing employee productivity, and reporting on team activities on your behalf. - Automated project and task management: Create new projects, assign optional starter tasks, and retrieve a comprehensive list of active company projects for streamlined organization. - Employee and company insights: Instantly fetch detailed company account info, list all employees with their roles and statuses, and access individual employee data for better workforce visibility. - Time tracking control: Start or stop tracking work on specific projects and tasks, enabling hands-free, accurate logging of work sessions and project contributions. - Productivity and app usage analysis: Retrieve employee project assignments and application usage data to monitor work habits and identify productivity trends across your team. - API health and connectivity checks: Use built-in API ping tools to verify Desktime API availability and ensure uninterrupted agent operations. ## Supported Tools | Tool slug | Name | Description | |---|---|---| | `DESKTIME_CREATE_PROJECT_WITH_TASK` | Create Project with Optional Task | Tool to create a new project with an optional initial task. Use when you need to set up a new DeskTime project programmatically. | | `DESKTIME_GET_ACCOUNT_DETAILS` | Get Account Details | Retrieves company account configuration including work schedule and timezone settings. This action fetches company-level information such as company name, work hours (start/end times), work duration, working days configuration, time tracking hours, and timezone. No parameters are required. This is useful for understanding the company's work schedule configuration and timezone settings. | | `DESKTIME_GET_ALL_COMPANY_EMPLOYEES` | Get All Company Employees | Tool to list all employees in the company, including their roles and statuses. Use after confirming valid credentials to fetch the organization’s roster. | | `DESKTIME_GET_EMPLOYEE` | Get Employee | Tool to retrieve information about a single employee including user info, work settings, and tracking data for a specific date. Use when you need detailed information for one employee. Returns data for the currently logged-in user if no employee ID is specified. | | `DESKTIME_GET_EMPLOYEE_APPS` | Get Employee Apps | Retrieves employee tracking data including tracked apps for a specific date. Returns data for the currently logged-in user if no employee ID is specified. Use this action to view detailed application usage and productivity data for an employee. | | `DESKTIME_GET_EMPLOYEE_PROJECTS` | Get Employee Projects | Retrieves comprehensive employee project tracking data including project assignments, time tracking metrics, work hours, and productivity statistics for a specific employee and date. Returns detailed information about: - Employee profile (ID, name, email, group) - Time tracking metrics (online time, productive time, efficiency) - Work schedule (work start/end times, timezone) - Active project details (current project and task being worked on) - Projects list (all projects tracked on the specified date with durations) - Employee status indicators (online, arrived, left, late) Use this action when you need to: - View an employee's project assignments and tracking data - Check time spent on specific projects by an employee - Monitor employee productivity and work hours - Retrieve historical project tracking data for a specific date Both parameters are optional - defaults to current API-key user and today's date. | | `DESKTIME_GET_EMPLOYEE_PROJECTS_AND_APPS` | Get Employee Basic Data | Retrieve an employee's basic information and daily tracking statistics from DeskTime. Returns employee profile data, work hours, productivity metrics, attendance status, and currently active project. Use this when you need employee time tracking data for a specific date (defaults to today). Note: For detailed project/app usage breakdowns, use the dedicated Get Employee Projects action. | | `DESKTIME_GET_PROJECTS_LIST` | Get Projects List | Tool to retrieve all active projects for the company, including related tasks. Use when you need projects overview after authentication. | | `DESKTIME_PING_REQUEST` | Ping DeskTime API | Tool to check the API's availability and confirm the service is operational. Use when you need to verify that the DeskTime API is reachable and responsive. | | `DESKTIME_START_PROJECT_TASK` | Start Project Task | Starts time tracking for a specified project and optional task in DeskTime. This action begins recording time against the specified project. If a task name is provided, time is also tracked at the task level within that project. Both projects and tasks are created automatically if they don't already exist in the DeskTime account. Use this action when a user wants to: - Begin working on a project and track time - Start a specific task within a project - Switch time tracking to a different project or task Note: Only one project/task can be tracked at a time per user. Starting a new project automatically stops tracking on any previously active project. | | `DESKTIME_STOP_PROJECT_TASK` | Stop Project Task | Tool to stop tracking time for a specified project and optional task. Use when you have finished work and need to record end time. | ## Supported Triggers None listed. ## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK The Desktime MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects Claude Code (and other AI assistants like Claude and Cursor) directly to your Desktime account. It provides structured and secure access so Claude can perform Desktime operations on your behalf. With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster. ## Step-by-step Guide ### 1. Prerequisites Before starting, make sure you have: - Claude Pro, Max, or API billing enabled Anthropic account - Composio API Key - A Desktime account - Basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript ### 1. Install Claude Code To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods based on your operating system: ```bash # macOS, Linux, WSL curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash # Windows PowerShell irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex # Windows CMD curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd ``` ### 2. Set up Claude Code Open a terminal, go to your project folder, and start Claude Code: - Claude Code will open in your terminal - Follow the prompts to sign in with your Anthropic account - Complete the authentication flow - Once authenticated, you can start using Claude Code ```bash cd your-project-folder claude ``` ### 3. Set up environment variables Create a .env file in your project root with the following variables: - COMPOSIO_API_KEY authenticates with Composio (get it from [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=api_key&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code)) - USER_ID identifies the user for session management (use any unique identifier) ```bash COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_composio_api_key_here USER_ID=your_user_id_here ``` ### 4. Install Composio library No description provided. ```python pip install composio-core python-dotenv ``` ```typescript npm install @composio/core dotenv ``` ### 5. Generate Composio MCP URL No description provided. ```python import os from composio import Composio from dotenv import load_dotenv load_dotenv() COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY") USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID") composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY) composio_session = composio_client.create( user_id=USER_ID, toolkits=["desktime"], ) COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}") print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:") print(f'claude mcp add --transport http desktime-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"') ``` ```typescript import 'dotenv/config'; import { Composio } from '@composio/core'; const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env; if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) { throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env'); } const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY }); const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, { toolkits: ['desktime'], }); const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url; console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`); console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`); console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http desktime-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`); ``` ### 6. Run the script and copy the MCP URL No description provided. ```python python generate_mcp_url.py ``` ```typescript node --loader ts-node/esm generate_mcp_url.ts # or if using tsx tsx generate_mcp_url.ts ``` ### 7. Add Desktime MCP to Claude Code In your terminal, add the MCP server using the command from the previous step. The command format is: - claude mcp add registers a new MCP server with Claude Code - --transport http specifies that this is an HTTP-based MCP server - The server name (desktime-composio) is how you'll reference it - The URL points to your Composio Tool Router session - --headers includes your Composio API key for authentication After running the command, close the current Claude Code session and start a new one for the changes to take effect. ```bash claude mcp add --transport http desktime-composio "YOUR_MCP_URL_HERE" --headers "X-API-Key:YOUR_COMPOSIO_API_KEY" # Then restart Claude Code exit claude ``` ### 8. Verify the installation Check that your Desktime MCP server is properly configured. - This command lists all MCP servers registered with Claude Code - You should see your desktime-composio entry in the list - This confirms that Claude Code can now access Desktime tools If everything is wired up, you should see your desktime-composio entry listed: ```bash claude mcp list ``` ### 9. Authenticate Desktime The first time you try to use Desktime tools, you'll be prompted to authenticate. - Claude Code will detect that you need to authenticate with Desktime - It will show you an authentication link - Open the link in your browser (or copy/paste it) - Complete the Desktime authorization flow - Return to the terminal and start using Desktime through Claude Code Once authenticated, you can ask Claude Code to perform Desktime operations in natural language. For example: - "List all active projects with tasks" - "Get today's time tracked for each employee" - "Start timing work on 'Client Website Redesign'" ## Complete Code ```python import os from composio import Composio from dotenv import load_dotenv load_dotenv() COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY") USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID") composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY) composio_session = composio_client.create( user_id=USER_ID, toolkits=["desktime"], ) COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}") print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:") print(f'claude mcp add --transport http desktime-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"') ``` ```typescript import 'dotenv/config'; import { Composio } from '@composio/core'; const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env; if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) { throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env'); } const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY }); const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, { toolkits: ['desktime'], }); const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url; console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`); console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`); console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http desktime-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`); ``` ## Conclusion You've successfully integrated Desktime with Claude Code using Composio's MCP server. Now you can interact with Desktime directly from your terminal using natural language commands. Key features of this setup: - Terminal-native experience without switching contexts - Natural language commands for Desktime operations - Secure authentication through Composio's managed MCP - Tool Router for dynamic tool discovery and execution Next steps: - Try asking Claude Code to perform various Desktime operations - Add more toolkits to your Tool Router session for multi-app workflows - Integrate this setup into your development workflow for increased productivity You can extend this by adding more toolkits, implementing custom workflows, or building automation scripts that leverage Claude Code's capabilities. ## How to build Desktime MCP Agent with another framework - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/desktime/framework/crew-ai) ## Related Toolkits - [Google Sheets](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googlesheets) - Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool for real-time collaboration and data analysis. It lets teams work together from anywhere, updating information instantly. - [Notion](https://composio.dev/toolkits/notion) - Notion is a collaborative workspace for notes, docs, wikis, and tasks. It streamlines team knowledge, project tracking, and workflow customization in one place. - [Airtable](https://composio.dev/toolkits/airtable) - Airtable combines the flexibility of spreadsheets with the power of a database for easy project and data management. Teams use Airtable to organize, track, and collaborate with custom views and automations. - [Asana](https://composio.dev/toolkits/asana) - Asana is a collaborative work management platform for teams to organize and track projects. It streamlines teamwork, boosts productivity, and keeps everyone aligned on goals. - [Google Tasks](https://composio.dev/toolkits/googletasks) - Google Tasks is a to-do list and task management tool integrated into Gmail and Google Calendar. It helps you organize, track, and complete tasks across your Google ecosystem. - [Linear](https://composio.dev/toolkits/linear) - Linear is a modern issue tracking and project planning tool for fast-moving teams. It helps streamline workflows, organize projects, and boost productivity. - [Jira](https://composio.dev/toolkits/jira) - Jira is Atlassian’s platform for bug tracking, issue tracking, and agile project management. It helps teams organize work, prioritize tasks, and deliver projects efficiently. - [Clickup](https://composio.dev/toolkits/clickup) - ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform for managing tasks, docs, goals, and team collaboration. It streamlines project workflows so teams can work smarter and stay organized in one place. - [Monday](https://composio.dev/toolkits/monday) - Monday.com is a customizable work management platform for project planning and collaboration. It helps teams organize tasks, automate workflows, and track progress in real time. - [Addressfinder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/addressfinder) - Addressfinder is a data quality platform for verifying addresses, emails, and phone numbers. It helps you ensure accurate customer and contact data every time. - [Agiled](https://composio.dev/toolkits/agiled) - Agiled is an all-in-one business management platform for CRM, projects, and finance. It helps you streamline workflows, consolidate client data, and manage business processes in one place. - [Ascora](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ascora) - Ascora is a cloud-based field service management platform for service businesses. It streamlines scheduling, invoicing, and customer operations in one place. - [Basecamp](https://composio.dev/toolkits/basecamp) - Basecamp is a project management and team collaboration tool by 37signals. It helps teams organize tasks, share files, and communicate efficiently in one place. - [Beeminder](https://composio.dev/toolkits/beeminder) - Beeminder is an online goal-tracking platform that uses monetary pledges to keep you motivated. Stay accountable and hit your targets with real financial incentives. - [Boxhero](https://composio.dev/toolkits/boxhero) - Boxhero is a cloud-based inventory management platform for SMBs, offering real-time updates, barcode scanning, and team collaboration. It helps businesses streamline stock tracking and analytics for smarter inventory decisions. - [Breathe HR](https://composio.dev/toolkits/breathehr) - Breathe HR is cloud-based HR software for SMEs to manage employee data, absences, and performance. It simplifies HR admin, making it easy to keep employee records accurate and up to date. - [Breeze](https://composio.dev/toolkits/breeze) - Breeze is a project management platform designed to help teams plan, track, and collaborate on projects. It streamlines workflows and keeps everyone on the same page. - [Bugherd](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bugherd) - Bugherd is a visual feedback and bug tracking tool for websites. It helps teams and clients report website issues directly on live sites for faster fixes. - [Canny](https://composio.dev/toolkits/canny) - Canny is a platform for managing customer feedback and feature requests. It helps teams prioritize product decisions based on real user insights. - [Chmeetings](https://composio.dev/toolkits/chmeetings) - Chmeetings is a church management platform for events, members, donations, and volunteers. It streamlines church operations and improves community engagement. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Desktime MCP? With a standalone Desktime MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Desktime tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Desktime and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint. ### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Claude Code? Yes, you can. Claude Code fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Desktime tools. ### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Desktime while using Tool Router? Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Desktime scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do. ### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router? All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Desktime data and credentials are handled as safely as possible. --- [See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)