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Docker MCP Toolkit Cheatsheet

Discover, install, and manage Model Context Protocol servers from the Docker MCP Catalog.

What it is

Use the MCP Toolkit when wiring AI agents (Claude, Cursor, VS Code, etc.) to real tools — databases, APIs, file systems — via standardized MCP servers run as containers.

Installation

Enable in Docker Desktop → Settings → Beta features → 'Docker MCP Toolkit', or via `docker mcp feature enable docker-mcp-toolkit`.

Quick start

docker mcp feature list

Check which MCP features are enabled.

docker mcp catalog server ls

Browse available MCP servers in the catalog.

docker mcp profile create dev

Create a profile to group servers and secrets.

docker mcp profile server add dev github

Add a catalog server to the profile.

docker mcp tools

List the tools exposed by enabled servers.

Common commands

TaskCommandDescription
List feature flags
docker mcp feature list
Shows MCP toolkit/gateway feature status.
Enable a feature
docker mcp feature enable <name>
Turn on toolkit or gateway.
Browse catalog
docker mcp catalog server ls
Catalog of curated MCP servers.
Show catalog server detail
docker mcp catalog server show <id>
Description, tools, required secrets.
Create profile
docker mcp profile create <name>
A profile bundles servers + secrets.
List profiles
docker mcp profile list
Shows configured profiles.
Add server to profile
docker mcp profile server add <profile> <server>
Wires a catalog server into the profile.
Set a secret
docker mcp secret set <KEY> <VALUE>
Stores a secret used by MCP servers.
List exposed tools
docker mcp tools
Tools available to MCP clients.

Useful flags

FlagExampleMeaning
--profile
docker mcp tools --profile dev
Scope the command to a profile.
--json
docker mcp catalog server ls --json
Machine-readable output.
--from-env
docker mcp secret set GITHUB_TOKEN --from-env GITHUB_TOKEN
Read the value from an env var instead of arg.

Real-world examples

Enable toolkit and add GitHub MCP server

docker mcp feature enable docker-mcp-toolkit
docker mcp profile create dev
docker mcp secret set GITHUB_TOKEN ghp_xxx
docker mcp profile server add dev github
docker mcp tools --profile dev

Inspect a server before installing

docker mcp catalog server show postgres

Best practices

  • Use one profile per client (Claude vs Cursor) to keep tool surfaces minimal.
  • Store secrets via `docker mcp secret set`, never inline in profile configs.
  • Periodically `docker mcp catalog server ls` to pick up new servers and updates.
  • Disable unused servers — every enabled tool widens the agent's blast radius.

Troubleshooting

Client shows no MCP tools

Ensure the gateway is running and the client points at it.

docker mcp gateway run

Server fails to start

Inspect the catalog entry for required secrets.

docker mcp catalog server show <server>

Permission errors hitting a tool

Confirm the secret is set and scoped to the profile.

docker mcp secret list

Official Docker Docs references

Last reviewed: