---
title: Configure the CMS (SaaS) MCP server
slug: cms-saas/docs/configure-mcp-server
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-07-30T20:18:08.000Z
---

The Optimizely Content Management System (CMS) (SaaS) MCP server connects your AI client to CMS (SaaS) using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This article covers adding the server to your AI client, authenticating, and verifying the connection. For an overview of the MCP server and what you can do with it, see [CMS (SaaS) MCP server](docId\:hr6IDD7sf-aZ-d5spAHhJ).

## Prerequisites

To use the CMS (SaaS) MCP server, you need the following:

- An Opti ID account.
- An Optimizely account with Mark (Optimizely Agent Platform) enabled, connected to at least one CMS (SaaS) instance.
- Access to both the Mark and CMS (SaaS) instances.
- An AI client that supports remote MCP.

### About Opti ID and Mark

- **Opti ID** – [Opti ID](docId\:pbehd96P529DqHZ0HOQlm) is Optimizely's unified identity system. It is the single set of credentials you use to log in across Optimizely products. If you already have an Optimizely account, you already have Opti ID.
- **Mark** – [Mark](docId\:IzAAN1fw7whD1HB4iODAB) is an agent orchestration platform that helps you work smarter across Optimizely One. The MCP server authenticates through your Mark instance, which connects it to your CMS (SaaS) instance and data. During configuration, you select your Mark instance as part of the Open Authorization (OAuth) flow. For details on how Mark connects to CMS (SaaS), see [Product connections](docId\:pe0pbUJveWrG8ewvZWDRE).

During authentication, you connect to your Mark instance, and the MCP server automatically gains access to any CMS (SaaS) instances linked to it.

## Add the MCP server to your AI client

Add the following Optimizely MCP server URL to your AI client's MCP configuration:

```javascript
https://cms.mcp.opal.optimizely.com/mcp
```

Where to add this depends on your client:

- **Claude Code** – Run `claude mcp add --transport http cms https://cms.mcp.opal.optimizely.com/mcp`.
- **Claude Desktop** – Go to **Customize > Connectors > Add Connector**.
- **Claude.ai** – Go to **Customize > Connectors > Add Connector**.
- **Codex** – Go to **Settings > MCP servers > Add server**.
- **Cursor** – Go to **Settings > MCP > Add new MCP server**.
- **Visual Studio Code** – Open MCP settings in the Copilot configuration.
- **Windsurf** – Go to **Settings > MCP Servers**, or edit `.windsurf/mcp.json` in your project root.

## Authenticate with Optimizely

When your AI client connects to the MCP server for the first time, it opens an OAuth flow in your browser. Complete the following steps:

1. Log in with your Opti ID credentials. This is the same login you use for the Optimizely UI.
2. Select your Mark instance.
3. Authorize the MCP connection.

You do not need to create a separate API token or manually manage credentials. The MCP server uses your Optimizely identity and respects your existing account permissions.

Your authentication session is time-limited. When it expires, your AI client prompts you to re-authenticate. Follow the prompt to complete the OAuth flow again.

## Run your first query

After you authenticate, your AI client has access to your Optimizely data. Enter the following query to test the connection:

```javascript
List all of my content types
```

Your AI client calls the MCP server, retrieves your content type list, and returns the results.

## Verify the connection

A working connection lets you do the following:

- See Optimizely tools listed in your AI client's available tools (look for tools prefixed with `cms_` or `graph_`).
- Get a response to *List my content types* that includes real data from your account.
- Ask follow-up questions about the returned data without re-authenticating.