Claude Desktop

Connect your Extole programs to Claude Desktop and manage referrals with natural language.

Claude Desktop is the app version of Anthropic's Claude. Once connected to Extole, you can run reports, check program performance, and make changes to your programs directly in Claude -- without opening My.Extole.

Looking for Claude Code? If you work in the terminal, see the Claude Code guide instead.

Requirements

Every person who wants to use the Extole MCP must complete setup individually.

You'll need:

The latest version of Claude Desktop installed
An active Extole user account

Setup

Choose your authentication method. See the MCP authentication guide if you're not sure which to use.

Option 1: OAuth (Recommended)

OAuth provides the fastest setup -- no manual key management required.

Step 1: Open Claude Desktop settings

In Claude Desktop, navigate to Settings > Connectors.

Step 2: Add a custom connector

Click Add custom connector.

Step 3: Configure the connector

Fill in the following:

Name -- Extole
Remote MCP Server URL -- Paste the following:

https://mcp.extole.com

Click Add.

Step 4: Authorize the connection

Click Connect next to the Extole connector. Your browser will open to an Extole authorization page. Review the permissions and click Authorize.

Extole will create an access token linked to your user account.

Step 5: Verify the connection

In a chat, click the + icon, then Connectors. Your Extole connector should appear as enabled.

Option 2: API Key

Use this method if you need centralized key management or if your organization doesn't use OAuth.

Step 1: Get your API key

Generate one at the My.Extole Security Center.

Step 2: Open Claude Desktop settings

Navigate to Settings > Developer.

Step 3: Edit the config file

Click Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json. Add the following to the mcpServers key:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Extole": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.extole.com",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer <YOUR_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace <YOUR_API_KEY> with your Extole API key.

Step 4: Restart Claude Desktop

Save the file and restart Claude Desktop.

Step 5: Verify the connection

Navigate to Settings > Developer and click Extole. You should see a running status badge.

Option 3: Extole CLI (Quickest for developers)

If you have the Extole CLI installed, one command configures everything:

extole serve setup

Restart Claude Desktop -- done. The CLI auto-detects the config file location and writes the MCP server entry for you. To remove the registration: extole serve remove.

Using the MCP

Once connected, Claude Desktop uses the Extole MCP automatically when you ask questions about your programs or request changes.

Open a chat and enter a prompt, for example:

"Show me the performance report for my refer-a-friend program this month."

"What reward is currently configured for the friend offer in my main campaign?"

"Increase the advocate reward in the summer promotion to $20."

The first time Claude uses an Extole tool, you'll be prompted to approve it. Click Allow once or Allow always to proceed.

Write operations -- Actions that modify programs, rewards, or campaign components execute immediately under your Extole permissions and are recorded in the Extole change log. Review prompts carefully before approving write operations.

Troubleshooting

"No tools available" -- Restart Claude Desktop after editing the config file. Verify the JSON is valid (no trailing commas).

"Unauthorized" -- Your token may be incorrect or expired. Regenerate it at the My.Extole Security Center.

Config file location (for manual setup):

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json