jonasneves/canvas-mcp-server

Canvas MCP Server

Connect Claude Desktop to your Canvas LMS data through a Chrome extension and native messaging host.

Architecture

The extension runs in your browser, fetches data via Canvas API, and forwards it to the native host which communicates with Claude Desktop using the MCP protocol.

Project Structure

canvas-mcp-server/
├── extension/          # Chrome extension
│   ├── manifest.json
│   ├── background.js   # Service worker
│   ├── content.js      # Canvas API integration
│   └── popup.*         # Extension UI
└── native-host/        # MCP server
    ├── host.js         # Main server
    ├── install.sh      # Unix installer
    └── install.bat     # Windows installer

Features

• Access courses, assignments, and submissions
• View calendar events and upcoming deadlines
• Browse course modules and analytics
• Auto-detect Canvas instance URLs
• Real-time data synchronization

Quick Start

Option 1: Simple Installation (Recommended)

1. Install Claude Desktop integration:

   • Download: canvas-mcp-server-native-host.dxt
   • Open Claude Desktop → Extensions
   • Drag the .dxt file into the extensions area
   • Done!

2. Install Chrome Extension:

   • Download: Latest Extension Release
   • Extract canvasflow-extension-v*.zip
   • Open Chrome → chrome://extensions/
   • Enable "Developer mode"
   • Click "Load unpacked" → select extracted folder

3. Configure:

   • Click the extension icon in Chrome
   • Enter your Canvas URL or click "Auto-Detect"
   • Click "Refresh Canvas Data"

4. Test:

   • Ask Claude Desktop: "What are my Canvas courses?"

Option 2: Install from Source

git clone https://github.com/jonasneves/canvas-mcp-server.git
cd canvas-mcp-server

# Install native host
cd native-host
npm install
./install.sh  # or install.bat on Windows

# Load extension from ./extension folder
# Follow Chrome extension steps above

Prerequisites

• Node.js 16 or higher
• Chrome or Edge browser
• Claude Desktop
• Active Canvas LMS account

Available MCP Tools

• list_courses - Get all active courses
• get_course_assignments - Get assignments for a specific course
• list_all_assignments - Get all assignments with submission status
• get_assignment_details - Get detailed assignment info including rubrics
• list_calendar_events - Get calendar events within a date range
• get_user_submissions - Get all submissions for a course
• list_course_modules - Get course modules and items
• list_upcoming_events - Get upcoming assignments and events
• get_course_analytics - Get course analytics (if enabled)

Troubleshooting

Extension not syncing:

• Verify you're logged into Canvas in Chrome
• Check Canvas URL configuration in extension
• Inspect extension console: chrome://extensions/ → Details → Inspect views

Claude Desktop not connecting:

• Check logs: ~/canvas-mcp-host.log (macOS/Linux) or %USERPROFILE%\canvas-mcp-host.log (Windows)
• Restart Claude Desktop after configuration changes
• Verify native host installation ran successfully

Canvas API rate limiting:

• Extension caches data to minimize requests
• If rate limited, wait a few minutes before syncing

Analytics unavailable:

• The get_course_analytics tool requires your Canvas instance to have analytics enabled

Security

• HTTP server only listens on localhost (127.0.0.1)
• No credentials stored; uses browser's Canvas session
• All data stays local on your machine

Contributing

Contributions welcome! Please open an issue before submitting major changes.

License

MIT