• VECTOR
  • RETRIEVAL
  • KNOWLEDGE
  • HUMAN

How to build semantic search systems with your AI

Connect OpenAI to your local files. Once connected, your agent can turn text into vectors to understand the actual meaning behind your data.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How do I make my AI search by meaning instead of keywords?

You use this MCP to turn your text files into vector embeddings. This lets your agent find the right context by looking for semantic similarity. You'll see how the process works below.

Search outcomes

What your data becomes

The results of processing your files through the agent.

VECTOR

Mathematical maps

The AI turns text into high-dimensional vectors. These numbers represent the core meaning of your documents.

RETRIEVAL

Contextual hits

When you ask a question, the agent finds the closest matching vectors. This pulls up relevant info even if the words don't match exactly.

KNOWLEDGE

Deep understanding

Your agent gains a better grasp of your specific files. It can now answer questions based on the nuances in your data.

HUMAN

Manual control

You decide which files to index. The AI won't change or delete your original files without your direct command.

The workflow

What your AI does when the data arrives.

The agent handles the heavy lifting of converting and organizing your text.

  1. Find files

    The agent scans your directory to identify the text files you want to index.

    list_files

  2. Create vectors

    The agent sends the text to OpenAI to generate a numerical representation of the content.

    create_embedding

  3. Map meanings

    The agent uses the resulting embeddings to build a searchable map of your information.

    create_embedding

  4. Verify contents

    The agent checks the file list to ensure all intended documents are accounted for.

    list_files

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to kick off the process.

Starting points

Swap the bracketed text for your actual file names or folder paths.

OpenAI Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_wqDLmxGMRbmUrKtHE8ZWJc73FuzFzNT70ItXxJkE/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — OpenAI capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "openai-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_wqDLmxGMRbmUrKtHE8ZWJc73FuzFzNT70ItXxJkE/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • List all the files in my current directory so we can see what to index.

  • Create embeddings for the project_notes.txt file.

  • Look through my documentation folder and create embeddings for every text file you find.

  • Find the most relevant parts of the user_manual.txt based on this question: [insert question].

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect OpenAI once, then ask.

Just link your OpenAI account. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start using these tools in your favorite MCP client immediately.

Connect OpenAI to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI delete my original text files?

    No. The tools only allow the AI to list files and create embeddings. It cannot modify or delete your data.

  • 02

    Does this work with PDFs?

    No. Currently, the tools are designed to work with text-based data files.

  • 03

    Will the AI store my embeddings locally?

    The AI uses the embeddings to perform searches within your session, but this MCP does not manage a permanent local database for you.

  • 04

    Can I use this to search my entire hard drive?

    No. You must point the agent to specific files or directories using the provided tools.

  • 05

    Does the AI see my OpenAI API key?

    No. Your connection is managed securely through Vinkius; your agent only interacts with the tools provided.

  • More questions about OpenAI? The Connector page answers them. See everything the OpenAI Connector can do

Connect OpenAI to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more