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Local Server

Run the Lovelace MCP server locally via the daemon

The local MCP server gives you the same platform tools over a stdio transport, backed by the Lovelace daemon running on your machine. This is ideal for development workflows and offline-capable setups.

How It Works

When you run lovelace mcp serve, the Lovelace CLI starts an MCP server that:

  1. Communicates over stdio (standard input/output)
  2. Connects to the local Lovelace daemon for platform operations
  3. Uses your existing CLI session for authentication — no separate API key needed
  4. Provides the same tools as the remote server, plus lattice-specific extras

Setup

Prerequisites

  • Lovelace CLI installed (installation guide)
  • Authenticated session: lovelace auth login
  • Lovelace daemon running: lovelace local start

Add to Your Client

Add the local server to your MCP client configuration:

json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "lovelace-local": {
      "command": "lovelace",
      "args": ["mcp", "serve"],
      "transport": "stdio"
    }
  }
}

That's it. Restart your client and the Lovelace tools will be available.

Available Tools

The local server provides all the tools from the remote server:

  • lovelace_list_workspaces / lovelace_get_workspace
  • lovelace_spawn_agent / lovelace_list_agents / lovelace_get_agent_status / lovelace_get_agent_result
  • lovelace_search_knowledge / lovelace_store_knowledge

Additionally, the local server includes lattice-specific tools for daemon management and system information. These tools are only available through the local server.

Local vs Remote

FeatureLocalRemote
TransportstdioStreamable HTTP
AuthenticationCLI sessionAPI key or OAuth
NetworkNo internet required for cached dataRequires internet
Daemon toolsYesNo
DeploymentYour machinemcp.uselovelace.com
Best forDevelopment, CLI workflowsProduction, team use

Using Both

You can run both the local and remote servers simultaneously. See Client Setup for configuration.

Troubleshooting

"lovelace: command not found":

  • Ensure the Lovelace CLI is installed and on your PATH
  • Run lovelace --version to verify

"Not authenticated":

  • Run lovelace auth login to start a login session
  • Run lovelace auth status to check your session

"Daemon not running":

  • Start the daemon: lovelace local start
  • Check daemon status: lovelace local status

Tools not responding:

  • Run lovelace doctor to diagnose issues
  • Check daemon logs: lovelace local logs