# Using ToolHive

## Introduction[​](#introduction "Direct link to Introduction")

The ToolHive UI is the fastest way to get from zero to a working MCP setup on your local machine. It helps you discover servers, run them securely, and connect your AI clients without juggling Docker commands, config files, or manual client setup.

Within the ToolHive platform, the UI gives you a desktop portal for the same local runtime and built-in registry that the CLI uses. If you want the lowest-friction first run with ToolHive, start here.

The UI can also connect your local AI clients to the broader ToolHive platform. You can use it with MCP servers or gateways managed by the Kubernetes Operator, and browse catalogs served by a ToolHive Registry Server.

![ToolHive UI screenshot](/img/toolhive/toolhive-ui-screenshot-light.webp "ToolHive UI screenshot")![ToolHive UI screenshot](/img/toolhive/toolhive-ui-screenshot-dark.webp "ToolHive UI screenshot")

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We strive to make ToolHive intuitive and easy to use. If we've missed the mark on something, [let us know](https://discord.gg/stacklok)!

Advanced users

ToolHive UI includes and manages the CLI automatically for terminal access and advanced features. See [Access the CLI from ToolHive UI](/toolhive/guides-ui/cli-access.md) for details.

## Where to start[​](#where-to-start "Direct link to Where to start")

* **New to ToolHive?** Follow the [Quickstart](/toolhive/guides-ui/quickstart.md) to install the app and run your first MCP server in minutes.
* **Already installed?** Jump straight to [Run MCP servers](/toolhive/guides-ui/run-mcp-servers.md) to discover and launch servers from the built-in registry.
* **Want to connect your AI client?** See [Client configuration](/toolhive/guides-ui/client-configuration.md) to point Claude, Cursor, or another client at your running servers.
* **Working with agent skills?** Browse the registry, build your own, and manage what's installed from the [Skills](/toolhive/guides-ui/skills.md) section.

## Contents[​](#contents "Direct link to Contents")

## [📄️Quickstart](/toolhive/guides-ui/quickstart.md)

[Install the ToolHive desktop app and run your first MCP server in minutes.](/toolhive/guides-ui/quickstart.md)

## [📄️Install ToolHive](/toolhive/guides-ui/install.md)

[Install the ToolHive desktop app on macOS, Windows, or Linux for graphical MCP server management.](/toolhive/guides-ui/install.md)

## [📄️Use the registry](/toolhive/guides-ui/registry.md)

[Search built-in or custom registries to find and install MCP servers in the ToolHive desktop app.](/toolhive/guides-ui/registry.md)

## [🗃Run MCP servers](/toolhive/guides-ui/run-mcp-servers.md)

[How to install and run MCP servers in the ToolHive UI](/toolhive/guides-ui/run-mcp-servers.md)

## [📄️Client configuration](/toolhive/guides-ui/client-configuration.md)

[Connect ToolHive to Claude, Cursor, VS Code, and other AI clients using the desktop app.](/toolhive/guides-ui/client-configuration.md)

## [🗃Skills](/toolhive/guides-ui/skills.md)

[How to install, build, and manage agent skills from the ToolHive UI](/toolhive/guides-ui/skills.md)

## [📄️Chat with AI agents](/toolhive/guides-ui/playground.md)

[Chat with built-in or custom AI agents in the ToolHive playground, with per-thread agent, model, MCP tool, and skill selection.](/toolhive/guides-ui/playground.md)

## [📄️Access the CLI from ToolHive UI](/toolhive/guides-ui/cli-access.md)

[How to use the ToolHive CLI when using the ToolHive UI application for advanced features and terminal-based workflows.](/toolhive/guides-ui/cli-access.md)