arxiv-latex MCP Server
MCP server that uses arxiv-to-prompt to fetch and process arXiv LaTeX sources for precise interpretation of mathematical expressions in scientific papers.
What is arxiv-latex MCP Server?
The arxiv-latex MCP Server is a tool designed for Claude Desktop that fetches and processes LaTeX sources from arXiv papers, enabling precise interpretation of mathematical expressions in scientific documents.
How to use arxiv-latex MCP Server?
To use the server, add the provided configuration to your Claude Desktop config file, restart Claude, and access the MCP tools to query arXiv papers directly.
Key features of arxiv-latex MCP Server?
- Direct access to arXiv papers via LaTeX source instead of PDFs.
- Enhanced understanding of mathematical content and equations.
- Integration with Claude Desktop for seamless querying.
Use cases of arxiv-latex MCP Server?
- Explaining complex mathematical theorems from arXiv papers.
- Assisting researchers in understanding scientific papers with heavy mathematical content.
- Facilitating accurate interpretation of equations in computer science and engineering fields.
FAQ from arxiv-latex MCP Server?
- Why use LaTeX instead of PDFs?
LaTeX allows for better handling of mathematical content, which is often misinterpreted in PDFs.
- How do I install the server?
Follow the installation instructions provided in the documentation to configure your Claude Desktop.
- What types of papers can I query?
You can query any paper available on arXiv that has a LaTeX source.
arxiv-latex MCP Server
An MCP server that enables Claude Desktop, Cursor, or other MCP clients to directly access and process arXiv papers by fetching the LaTeX source. It uses arxiv-to-prompt under the hood to handle downloading and processing the LaTeX.
Why use the LaTeX source instead of uploading PDFs? Many PDF chat applications often struggle with mathematical content and equation-heavy papers. By utilizing the original LaTeX source code from arXiv papers, the LLM can accurately understand and handle equations and notations. This approach is particularly valuable for fields like computer science, mathematics, and engineering where precise interpretation of mathematical expressions is crucial.
Installation
Add the following configuration to your config file:
{
"mcpServers": {
"arxiv-latex-mcp": {
"command": "uv",
"args": [
"--directory",
"/ABSOLUTE/PATH/TO/arxiv-latex-mcp",
"run",
"arxiv-latex-mcp.py"
]
}
}
}
You may need to replace the command field with the full path of uv: check this by running which uv (MacOS/Linux) or where uv (Windows).
Restart the application after saving the above.
For Claude Desktop, click on the hammer icon, and you should see get_paper_prompt in the list of "Available MCP tools".
Example
Try asking questions about a paper from arXiv, e.g., "Explain the first theorem in 2202.00395"
