Aldine MCP
Aldine is a self-hosted LaTeX editor with collaboration and git, whose built-in MCP lets Claude edit and typeset a document.
- 126 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- AGPL-3.0
Extended access
Why this level
- The agent reads and edits project sources and runs builds; access is limited by project selection or a shared token.
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add mcp/aldineDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The agent reads and edits project sources and runs builds; access is limited by project selection or a shared token.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Aldine is a self-hosted Overleaf alternative: real-time editing with cursors, every project a real git repository with branches, Zotero, recompiles in about two seconds. By default two containers and one SQLite file are enough. The built-in MCP server turns on with `ALDINE_MCP=1` and answers at `/mcp`. Through it Claude reads and edits LaTeX, typesets the document, gets errors with file and line and shows the PDF in the chat. Each edit lands as a git commit authored «Claude», so a session stays one diff to review and one click to revert.
Who it is for. Authors of papers and theses and research groups who keep LaTeX on their own server and want Claude to edit text and formulas.
Good fit when
- Claude adds a section, typesets the PDF and shows errors with line numbers.
- A group writes a paper together and agent edits must be reviewed as a normal diff.
- You need to connect Aldine to claude.ai or Claude Desktop through the Connect button.
- The bibliography lives in Zotero and entries must land in the `.bib` file.
Not a fit when
- You have no server for your own containers and want a ready cloud service.
- An agent must not open projects with unpublished results.
- You need a long track record: version 1.0 shipped in October 2026.
Example request
Add a Methods section to the paper from my notes, typeset the PDF and show build errors if there are any.MCP
- Transport
- http
- Authentication
- OAuth
Environment variables
ALDINE_MCPrequired- The value `1` enables the `/mcp` endpoint.
ALDINE_MCP_TOKENsecret- Static token for single-tenant mode without accounts.
ALDINE_PUBLIC_URL- Public instance URL for OAuth and PDF links.
Limitations
The MCP endpoint is off by default: it needs `ALDINE_MCP=1` plus either `AUTH_ENABLED=1` or `ALDINE_MCP_TOKEN`, otherwise the server answers 401. For claude.ai the address must be reachable from the internet over HTTPS, while Claude Code also works with a local one. Without accounts the token opens every project, with sign-in enabled the user picks projects on a consent page. The licence is AGPL-3.0. The author warns about rough edges in a young 1.x release.
How to disable. Remove `ALDINE_MCP=1` from the environment and restart the app, and the connector disappears. Revoke access tokens in the Agent access section of the account.
FAQ
How do I enable MCP in Aldine?
Set `ALDINE_MCP=1`. With accounts enabled (`AUTH_ENABLED=1`) sign-in uses the Connect button over OAuth 2.1, without them an `ALDINE_MCP_TOKEN` goes in an `Authorization: Bearer` header.
How do I see what Claude changed?
Every edit is a git commit authored «Claude». The editor shows a review prompt and reverting takes one click.
How do I start Aldine quickly?
Save the `docker-compose.yml` from the Quick start section and run `docker compose up -d`. The image is `ghcr.io/trahloff/aldine-app`.
Where can I see a demo?
The project runs a live demo at `demo.aldine.dev` that resets nightly.
What is special about the Aldine licence?
AGPL-3.0: hosting a modified version for other users requires publishing your changes.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldine (this card) | yes | OAuth | 126 | |
| LaTeX Document Skill | no | 828 | a skill with LaTeX document rules; Aldine gives a full server and PDF builds | |
| Codex Overleaf Link | no | 111 | links Codex to Overleaf; Aldine replaces Overleaf with its own server |
README in short
The README describes Aldine as a fast collaborative editor with git projects, Zotero and a visual mode. MCP has its own section and a detailed guide in `docs/AGENT_API.md`.