Yandex image search MCP
mcp-yandex-search-api
A Python MCP server for searching Yandex Images through the Yandex Search API
Low risk
We rate an entry low when it mostly gives the agent instructions and reference material.
Why this level
- Only performs image searches against the public index; there are no write calls
Install
Manual install
git clone <repo-url> mcp-yandex-search-api
cd mcp-yandex-search-api
uv syncInstall dependencies via uv before running.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The server offers one tool, search_images, which searches Yandex Images by text query and supports every Yandex Search API parameter: search type, family filter, typo correction, format, size, orientation, color, site restriction, user agent, page number and results per page. The XML API response is automatically parsed into JSON with links to the original image, thumbnail and source page, or raw XML can be requested with the return_raw_xml parameter. Auth uses a service account API key or an IAM token.
Who it is for. For people who need agentic image search specifically in the Yandex index rather than Google or Bing.
Good fit when
- You need to find images on a topic with size, color or orientation filters
- You need image search limited to a specific site
- You work in VS Code, Cursor or another MCP client and want ready XML-to-JSON parsing
Not a fit when
- You need text web search rather than image search: the server only offers search_images
- You have no Yandex Cloud billing account with the search-api.webSearch.user role
Example request
Find large color images of a Christmas tree decorated in an urban styleLimitations
Image search only; the server does not offer web search or other Yandex search types. Requires a Yandex Cloud service account with the search-api.webSearch.user role and an API key scoped to yc.search-api.execute. Requires Python 3.10 and the uv package manager.
How to disable. Remove the yandex-search-api block from your MCP client config.
MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- API key
| Environment variables | |
|---|---|
| YANDEX_FOLDER_ID required | Yandex Cloud folder ID |
| YANDEX_API_KEY secret | Service account API key, the recommended method |
| YANDEX_IAM_TOKEN secret | IAM token as an alternative to the API key |
Security check
- Only performs image searches against the public index; there are no write calls
README in short
The README describes the single search_images tool with all API parameters, Python and uv requirements, setting up a service account with the right role, an environment variable table, local run instructions, debugging via MCP Inspector, and connecting to VS Code and Cursor with config examples and the response structure.
FAQ
Can it search text instead of images?
No, the server only offers the search_images tool for searching Yandex Images.
Can I get the raw API response instead of JSON?
Yes, the return_raw_xml=true parameter returns the raw Yandex Search API XML response.
Related
CLI, skill and Python library for browser control: the agent clicks, fills forms and reads pages over CDP
A skill that gathers the last 30 days of discussion on a topic from Reddit, X, YouTube, HN, Polymarket and GitHub into one brief
The Chrome DevTools team's official MCP server: the agent drives a live Chrome, reads network and console, and records performance traces
A fast Rust CLI for agent browser automation: accessibility snapshots with element refs, an MCP server and skills