Share original images with local MCP clients
ClipOrigin connects to local MCP clients so you can share a specific image by its exact identity. An original-image reference identifies the source image instead of relying on a thumbnail or a compressed attachment. Sharing that image does not require granting access to your entire clipboard history.
Connect a local client and share one image
Use a client running on the same Mac, such as Codex, Cursor or Claude Code. ClipOrigin provides a local connection; exporting a configuration alone does not establish a running client connection.
- Open Settings → Agent Connections and add your local MCP client.
- Review the requested permissions and connect the client using its MCP configuration.
- Select an image and choose Copy Original Image Reference.
- Pass that reference to the connected client and ask it to resolve the specified image.
Choose between the original and the finished edit
An original-image reference has the form cliporigin://image/<SHA-256>. The reference is an identifier, not a public download URL. The connected client can resolve explicitly shared images through resolve_image_references.
Ordinary copying, dragging and current-image references use the finished edit. Choose the original or its original-image reference when an AI tool needs the unmodified source. For example, hand off the annotated result for feedback on your marked-up screenshot, or the original for examining details before annotations.
Keep permissions narrow
Specified-image access, workspace writes and full-history access are independently controlled. ClipOrigin checks permissions again on subsequent tool calls, so revoking a permission changes later access.
Once you deliberately share an image with a client, its subsequent use also depends on that client and its model provider. Local delivery of a file does not mean every connected AI model runs locally.
Browser and remote agents need a separate transfer
A web chat or remote agent cannot read a path on your Mac merely because you pasted a reference. Transfer the file separately or use a properly connected local client.
If the client says it cannot resolve the reference, check the connection is active and the image permission is granted. Do not broaden access to your entire history just to resolve one picture.
Questions & answers
Does this replace an AI subscription?
No. ClipOrigin supplies clipboard and image tools to a connected client. It does not include an AI model subscription or remote model usage.
Does sharing one image expose all my clipboard history?
No. Access to explicitly shared images and full clipboard history are separate permissions. Review the enabled scopes in Agent Connections.
Try it on your Mac.
14-day full-feature trial. macOS 26+ and Apple Silicon.
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