MATE Desktop is the local bridge between your AI app and the creative applications you already use. It runs on your computer and makes the tools from supported MATE plugins available to Claude Desktop, ChatGPT, Cursor, Antigravity, and other MCP clients.

Why should I care?

MATE Desktop lets you work with Adobe apps and other supported creative tools directly from an AI conversation. Instead of copying instructions between windows, your AI app can discover the connected MATE tools and use them while you work.

The connection stays local. MATE Desktop coordinates the apps on your computer; it does not replace the MATE plugin inside your host app.

How it works

There are three parts:

1. Your host app, such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma, or After Effects.

2. The MATE plugin, open inside that host app.

3. MATE Desktop, which exposes the plugin’s tools to your AI app through MCP.

Your AI app connects to MATE Desktop. MATE Desktop connects to the open MATE plugin. The plugin performs the requested action in the host app and returns the result.

Before you start

• Download MATE Desktop

• Activate your MATE Desktop license.

• Install your MATE plugin for at least one supported host app.

• Open the host app and open the MATE plugin.

• In the plugin, enable Settings > MCP > Connect to “MATE Desktop App”. (Should be on by default).

Check the connection

Open MATE Desktop and look at Connected Apps. Your host app should appear as connected with a blue frame, and its switch should be enabled.

Then connect your preferred AI app and start a fresh chat. Ask:

Do you see MATE Desktop? Which MATE tools are available?