Connect Cut Express to Claude and Claude Code
To connect Cut Express to Claude, add a custom connector with the URL https://cut.express/mcp and sign in with your Cut Express account. In Claude Code, run one claude mcp add command with a key from your account. It takes about a minute, and the upload panel and the video player then appear right in the chat.
What do I need before connecting?
A Cut Express plan (Pro or Ultra, see pricing) and a Claude account. Buying a plan creates your Cut Express account; the welcome email sets your password.
How do I connect Claude.ai or Claude Desktop?
- Open Settings → Connectors and choose Add custom connector.
- Name it Cut Express and paste
https://cut.express/mcp. - Click Connect, sign in to Cut Express and choose Allow.
Then start a new chat and ask: “Open the Cut Express upload panel.” The panel appears in the chat; drop a clip in it.
How do I connect Claude Code?
Create a key on the Connect page of your account, then run:
claude mcp add --transport http cutexpress https://cut.express/mcp --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY"
In Claude Code there is no panel; Claude uploads files from your computer with presigned links. Ask “upload the clips in ./footage to Cut Express and cut a 20-second teaser”.
Which apps show the panel and the player?
| App | Connect with | Upload panel | Player in chat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude.ai | Connector, sign in | Yes | Yes |
| Claude Desktop | Connector, sign in | Yes | Yes |
| Claude Code | Key | No (uploads local files) | No (links in the reply) |
| Other MCP apps | Connector or key | Depends on the app | Depends on the app |
What should I try first?
A short test that touches every part: “Open the Cut Express upload panel. I’ll send one clip: make a 15-second 9:16 version with pop captions and a warm look.” The how-to guide has more prompts, and captions for reels covers caption styles.
What if Claude doesn’t see a new feature?
Claude keeps a connector’s tool list until you reconnect it. After an update, open Settings → Connectors, disconnect Cut Express and connect it again.
FAQ
Do I need a separate Claude plan? Cut Express works with the Claude plan you already use; Claude does the editing on it.
Can I connect several apps? Yes. Each app is listed on your Connect page and can be disconnected on its own.
Where are my videos? In your account, with every version and a download button. More in the FAQ and the features.
Start editing
Cut Express turns “cut this into a reel” into a finished MP4. Pick a plan and connect it in a minute. Back to the blog or the home page.