Open Illustrator (Beta).
Last updated on
Apr 16, 2026
Learn how to set up a connection between Illustrator (Beta) and AI tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, or Codex for working on your artwork using text prompts.
Before you begin
Ensure that you:
- Install the latest version of Illustrator (Beta)
- Install a desktop AI tool such as Cursor, Claude Code, or Codex on the same computer as Illustrator (Beta)
Explore the beta app
Model Context Protocol server is now available for testing and feedback. Try it now in Illustrator (Beta).
Set up a connection with Cursor
Select MCP & Tools in the Application Bar at the top of the workspace.
You can also access MCP & Tools from Illustrator (Beta) > Settings (macOS) or Edit > Preferences (Windows).
Select Connect next to Cursor. The cursor app opens automatically and shows the Install button.
Select Install to complete the setup.
To ensure the connection is working, try a simple prompt in Cursor, such as Create a document. If it's working, it will ask you if it can proceed with the requested change.
Set up a connection with the Claude Code or Codex CLI
Command Line Interface (CLI) versions of Claude Code and Codex require you to run them from Terminal (macOS) or Command Prompt (Windows) to connect to Illustrator (Beta).
The app version of Codex allows you to connect to Illustrator (Beta) using text prompts. For that, you need to use the Others option in the MCP & Tools settings.
Open Illustrator (Beta).
Select MCP & Tools in the Application Bar at the top of the workspace.
You can also access MCP & Tools from Illustrator (Beta) > Settings (macOS) or Edit > Preferences (Windows).
Copy the command that contains the server URL and authentication key for your AI tool:
- For Claude Code, select Copy Claude Code command to clipboard next to Claude Code.
- For Codex, select Copy Codex command to clipboard next to Codex.
Sample command for Claude Code:
claude mcp add --transport http --header "Authorization: Bearer ilst_da9d6ccd0a1e39ecea17c19e3a5042325856532f8f8df1185b76f0ba5b6fa054" --scope user illustrator http://localhost:18412/v1/mcp
Caution
Don't use the sample command, as the authentication key for your Illustrator (Beta) installation is unique. Always copy the exact command from the MCP & Tools settings.
Open Terminal (macOS) or Command Prompt (Windows), paste the command, and press Enter to complete the setup.
Type Claude or Codex in Terminal or Command Prompt to restart the respective session.
To ensure the connection is working, try a simple prompt in Claude Code or Codex, such as Create a document. If it's working, it will ask you if it can proceed with the requested change.
Open Illustrator (Beta).
Select MCP & Tools in the Application Bar at the top of the workspace.
You can also access MCP & Tools from Illustrator (Beta) > Settings (macOS) or Edit > Preferences (Windows).
Next to Others, select Copy URL to copy the server URL, and save it to a temporary location. Similarly, select Copy key to copy the authentication key and save it.
Follow your AI tool's guidelines to complete the setup. If you have the Codex app, you can use prompts such as Can you add the Illustrator MCP server configuration in Codex and enter the copied URL and key.
To ensure the connection is working, try a simple prompt in your AI tool, such as Create a document. If it's working, it will ask you if it can proceed with the requested change.
Having set up a connection with your AI tool, explore the supported Illustrator (Beta) tools and actions, and sample prompts to get started.
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