# How to integrate Pexels MCP with Claude Code

```json
{
  "title": "How to integrate Pexels MCP with Claude Code",
  "toolkit": "Pexels",
  "toolkit_slug": "pexels",
  "framework": "Claude Code",
  "framework_slug": "claude-code",
  "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/claude-code",
  "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/claude-code.md",
  "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:21:52.555Z"
}
```

## Introduction

Manage your Pexels 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 Pexels with

- [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/chatgpt)
- [Antigravity](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/antigravity)
- [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/codex)
- [Cursor](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/cursor)
- [VS Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/vscode)
- [OpenCode](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/opencode)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/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 Pexels to Claude Code

### Connecting Pexels 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 Pexels MCP server, and what's possible with it?

The Pexels MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Pexels account. It provides structured and secure access to the Pexels media library, so your agent can search photos and videos, fetch curated collections, explore trending media, and retrieve detailed asset information on your behalf.
- Photo and video search: Instantly find high-quality photos and videos from Pexels based on keywords, categories, or filters using natural language queries.
- Curated and trending media discovery: Let your agent fetch the latest curated photos or surface popular videos to keep your content pipeline fresh and engaging.
- Collection management and exploration: Access your own collections or featured Pexels collections, and pull all media from any collection with ease.
- Detailed asset retrieval: Retrieve metadata, dimensions, and direct image or video URLs for any specific photo or video asset by ID.
- Content integration for creative workflows: Seamlessly pull media assets into your applications, presentations, or creative projects with minimal effort.

## Supported Tools

| Tool slug | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| `PEXELS_COLLECTION_MEDIA` | Get Collection Media | Tool to get all media within a collection by its ID. Use when you need to fetch paginated media from a specific collection. |
| `PEXELS_CURATED_PHOTOS` | Get Curated Photos | Tool to get real-time curated photos. Use when you need to fetch curated photos with pagination support. |
| `PEXELS_FEATURED_COLLECTIONS` | Featured Collections | Tool to get featured collections. Use when you need curated collections of photos and videos with pagination support. |
| `PEXELS_GET_PHOTO` | Get Photo | Tool to retrieve detailed information about a specific photo. Use when you have a valid photo ID to fetch metadata including dimensions, photographer details, and image URLs. Use after confirming the photo ID from search or curated endpoints. |
| `PEXELS_GET_VIDEO_BY_ID` | Get Video by ID | Tool to retrieve detailed information about a specific video from Pexels. Use when you have a valid video ID to fetch metadata including dimensions, duration, videographer details, and available video file versions. |
| `PEXELS_MY_COLLECTIONS` | Get My Collections | Tool to get all of the user's collections on Pexels. Use when you need to list a user's collections with pagination support. |
| `PEXELS_POPULAR_VIDEOS` | Get Popular Videos | Tool to retrieve current popular Pexels videos. Use when you want to fetch trending videos from Pexels. |
| `PEXELS_SEARCH_PHOTOS` | Search Photos | Tool to search for photos on Pexels. Use when you need to retrieve photos by a search term and optional filters. Call after confirming you have a valid Pexels API key. Response image URLs are nested under `photo.src.` (e.g., `photo.src.original`, `photo.src.landscape`, `photo.src.medium`); the top-level `url` field is not sufficient for accessing specific image sizes. |
| `PEXELS_SEARCH_VIDEOS` | Search Videos | Tool to search for videos on Pexels by query and optional filters. Use when you need to find relevant video assets. Combining multiple filters with a narrow query may return few or no results; only apply strict filter combinations when explicitly required. |

## Supported Triggers

None listed.

## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK

The Pexels 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 Pexels account. It provides structured and secure access so Claude can perform Pexels 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 Pexels 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=["pexels"],
)

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 pexels-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: ['pexels'],
});

const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url;

console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`);
console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`);
console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http pexels-composio "${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 Pexels 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 (pexels-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 pexels-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 Pexels MCP server is properly configured.
- This command lists all MCP servers registered with Claude Code
- You should see your pexels-composio entry in the list
- This confirms that Claude Code can now access Pexels tools
If everything is wired up, you should see your pexels-composio entry listed:
```bash
claude mcp list
```

### 9. Authenticate Pexels

The first time you try to use Pexels tools, you'll be prompted to authenticate.
- Claude Code will detect that you need to authenticate with Pexels
- It will show you an authentication link
- Open the link in your browser (or copy/paste it)
- Complete the Pexels authorization flow
- Return to the terminal and start using Pexels through Claude Code
Once authenticated, you can ask Claude Code to perform Pexels operations in natural language. For example:
- "Find free stock photos of beaches"
- "Get trending Pexels videos this week"
- "List featured photography collections"

## 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=["pexels"],
)

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 pexels-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: ['pexels'],
});

const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url;

console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`);
console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`);
console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http pexels-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`);
```

## Conclusion

You've successfully integrated Pexels with Claude Code using Composio's MCP server. Now you can interact with Pexels directly from your terminal using natural language commands.
Key features of this setup:
- Terminal-native experience without switching contexts
- Natural language commands for Pexels 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 Pexels 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 Pexels MCP Agent with another framework

- [ChatGPT](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/chatgpt)
- [Antigravity](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/antigravity)
- [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/claude-agents-sdk)
- [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/claude-cowork)
- [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/codex)
- [Cursor](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/cursor)
- [VS Code](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/vscode)
- [OpenCode](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/opencode)
- [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/openclaw)
- [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/hermes-agent)
- [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/cli)
- [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/google-adk)
- [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/langchain)
- [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/ai-sdk)
- [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/mastra-ai)
- [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/llama-index)
- [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/pexels/framework/crew-ai)

## Related Toolkits

- [Figma](https://composio.dev/toolkits/figma) - Figma is a collaborative interface design tool for teams and individuals. It streamlines design workflows with real-time collaboration and easy sharing.
- [Abyssale](https://composio.dev/toolkits/abyssale) - Abyssale is a creative automation platform for generating images, videos, GIFs, PDFs, and HTML5 content programmatically. It streamlines and scales visual content production for marketing, design, and operations teams.
- [Alttext ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/alttext_ai) - AltText.ai is a service that generates alt text for images automatically. It helps boost accessibility and SEO for your visual content.
- [Bannerbear](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bannerbear) - Bannerbear is an API-driven platform for generating images and videos automatically at scale. It helps businesses create custom graphics, social visuals, and marketing assets using powerful templates.
- [Canva](https://composio.dev/toolkits/canva) - Canva is a drag-and-drop design suite for creating professional graphics, presentations, and marketing materials. It makes it easy for anyone to design with beautiful templates and a vast library of elements.
- [Claid ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/claid_ai) - Claid.ai delivers AI-driven image editing APIs for tasks like background removal, upscaling, and color correction. It helps automate and enhance image workflows with powerful, developer-friendly tools.
- [Cloudinary](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cloudinary) - Cloudinary is a cloud-based platform for managing, uploading, and transforming images and videos. It streamlines media workflows and delivers optimized assets globally.
- [Cults](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cults) - Cults is a digital marketplace for 3D printing models, connecting designers and makers. It lets creators share, sell, and discover a huge variety of printable designs easily.
- [DeepImage](https://composio.dev/toolkits/deepimage) - DeepImage is an AI-powered image enhancer and upscaler. Get higher-quality images with just a few clicks.
- [Dreamstudio](https://composio.dev/toolkits/dreamstudio) - DreamStudio is Stability AI’s platform for generating and editing images with AI. It lets you easily turn ideas into stunning visuals, fast.
- [Dynapictures](https://composio.dev/toolkits/dynapictures) - Dynapictures is a cloud-based platform for generating personalized images at scale. Instantly create hundreds of custom visuals using your data sources, like Google Sheets.
- [Fal.ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/fal_ai) - Fal.ai is a generative media platform offering 600+ AI models for images, video, voice, and audio. Developers use Fal.ai for fast, scalable access to cutting-edge generative AI tools.
- [Gamma](https://composio.dev/toolkits/gamma) - Gamma is an AI-powered platform for making beautiful, interactive presentations and documents. It lets anyone create and share engaging decks with minimal effort.
- [Html to image](https://composio.dev/toolkits/html_to_image) - Html to image converts HTML and CSS into images or captures web page screenshots. Instantly generate visuals from code or web content—no manual screenshots needed.
- [Imagior](https://composio.dev/toolkits/imagior) - Imagior is an AI-powered image generation platform that lets you create and customize images using dynamic templates and APIs. Perfect for businesses and creators needing fast, scalable visuals without design hassle.
- [Imejis io](https://composio.dev/toolkits/imejis_io) - Imejis io is an API-based image generation platform with powerful customization and template support. It lets you create and modify images in seconds, no manual design work required.
- [Imgix](https://composio.dev/toolkits/imgix) - Imgix is a real-time image processing and delivery service for developers. It helps you optimize, transform, and deliver images efficiently at any scale.
- [Kraken io](https://composio.dev/toolkits/kraken_io) - Kraken.io is an image optimization and compression platform. It helps you shrink image file sizes while keeping visual quality intact.
- [Logo dev](https://composio.dev/toolkits/logo_dev) - Logo.dev is an API and database for high-resolution company logos and brand metadata. Instantly fetch official logos from any domain without scraping or manual searching.
- [Miro](https://composio.dev/toolkits/miro) - Miro is a collaborative online whiteboard platform for teams to brainstorm, design, and manage projects visually. It streamlines teamwork by enabling real-time idea sharing, diagramming, and workflow planning in a single space.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Pexels MCP?

With a standalone Pexels MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Pexels tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Pexels 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 Pexels tools.

### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Pexels while using Tool Router?

Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Pexels 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 Pexels data and credentials are handled as safely as possible.

---
[See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)