Setting up a GitHub Personal Access Token will significantly improve your experience with the shadcn/ui MCP Server.
| Without Token | With Token |
|---|---|
| 60 requests/hour | 5,000 requests/hour |
| Rate limit errors | Reliable performance |
| Slower responses | Faster responses |
| Limited reliability | Better caching |
- Visit GitHub Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens → Tokens (classic)
- Or navigate: GitHub Profile → Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens
- Click "Generate new token (classic)"
- Add a note:
"shadcn-ui MCP server" - Expiration: Choose your preference (90 days recommended)
- Scopes: ✅ No scopes needed! (public repository access is sufficient)
- Copy the generated token (starts with
ghp_) ⚠️ Save it securely - you won't see it again!
npx @jpisnice/shadcn-ui-mcp-server --github-api-key ghp_your_token_here# Add to your shell profile (~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, etc.)
export GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN=ghp_your_token_here
# Then simply run:
npx @jpisnice/shadcn-ui-mcp-serverGITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN=ghp_your_token_here npx @jpisnice/shadcn-ui-mcp-servernpx @jpisnice/shadcn-ui-mcp-server --github-api-key ghp_your_token_herenpx @jpisnice/shadcn-ui-mcp-server --framework svelte --github-api-key ghp_your_token_herenpx @jpisnice/shadcn-ui-mcp-server --framework vue --github-api-key ghp_your_token_here- Never commit tokens to version control
- Use environment variables in production
- Set appropriate expiration dates
- Rotate tokens regularly
- Use minimal required scopes (none needed for this server)
# Check if token is valid
curl -H "Authorization: token ghp_your_token_here" https://api.github.com/user
# Should return your GitHub user info# Check your current rate limit
curl -H "Authorization: token ghp_your_token_here" https://api.github.com/rate_limit
# Look for "remaining" field in the response# Verify the variable is set
echo $GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN
# Should show your token (starts with ghp_)- Installation - Complete installation guide
- Framework Selection - Choose your framework
- First Steps - Make your first component request
- Integration - Connect to your editor or tool