How to Use the Unsplash Extended MCP in Claude

Q: Can I use Unsplash Extended to track downloads in the Claude Desktop app?

Yes, you can call trackphotodownload to log an attribution when a photo is used. This lets your agent maintain records of where and how the assets are being used.

Q: What if I need to check related assets using Unsplash Extended in Claude Desktop?

You can use getrelatedcollections by giving it a specific collection ID. This function lists other collections that are thematically similar, helping you find the right visual assets fast.

Manage high-res assets and track downloads using the Unsplash Extended MCP Server in Claude Desktop.

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Connect Unsplash Extended MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect Unsplash Extended to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup Unsplash Extended with Claude Desktop

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Get Photo Details & Statistics via Claude Desktop

Need to know about a photo? The `get_photo` tool grabs details for any photo ID. You can also run `get_photo_statistics` to see how many times that image was downloaded or viewed. This lets your agent pull live data directly into the chat. Instead of guessing, you're working with concrete numbers about visibility and usage.

Manage Collections and Photos Using MCP Server

The `create_collection` tool handles setting up new photo groupings. Once that’s done, the agent can run `add_photo_to_collection` or `remove_photo_from_collection`. It's straightforward group management. You also get a full list of what others are doing with `list_user_collections`, letting you see public trends right in Claude Desktop.

Search and Identify Assets for Your Workflow

Searching isn't limited to just keywords. The `search_photos` tool finds images by text, but you can also use `get_topic_photos` if you know the subject ID. It keeps your search tight. When paired with Claude Desktop’s local file access, your agent can check a folder and then instantly find matching assets from Unsplash Extended.

Setup guide

Set up Unsplash Extended MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The Unsplash Extended MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the Unsplash Extended MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under unsplash-extended-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "unsplash-extended-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by Unsplash. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about Unsplash Extended MCP in Claude Desktop

It runs as a subprocess on your machine, giving Claude Desktop direct access to external services without needing a web browser. This means your agent can pull live photo data and collection details straight into your local workflow.

Yes, you can call `track_photo_download` to log an attribution when a photo is used. This lets your agent maintain records of where and how the assets are being used.

This server primarily touches user profile data, specifically the authenticated user's public details accessed via `get_me`. It also handles photo IDs and collection names.

You can use `get_related_collections` by giving it a specific collection ID. This function lists other collections that are thematically similar, helping you find the right visual assets fast.

It does. If your agent needs to update personal information or details associated with an account, it uses the `update_me` tool. This keeps your profile current for future asset management.

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