- How do I connect Cursor to Espectro’s color palettes in my Laravel app?
- Run `composer require labrodev/laravel-mcp-espectro` and execute `php artisan espectro:install`. This generates a `.mcp.json` file in your project root. Restart Cursor, and it will auto-detect the config and connect to Espectro’s MCP server.
- Does this package work with Laravel versions older than 11?
- No, this package requires Laravel 11+ and PHP 8.2+. If you’re using an older version, you’ll need to upgrade Laravel first. The package leverages Laravel’s modern features for minimal setup.
- Can I use this with Claude Desktop or other MCP clients besides Cursor?
- Yes. After running `espectro:install`, add `https://espectro.dev/mcp/espectro` as a custom MCP server in Claude Desktop or any other MCP-compatible client. The package supports HTTP/streaming transport for all clients.
- What happens if the Espectro server goes down or hits rate limits?
- The package currently has no built-in fallback or caching. If the server is down or you hit the 15 RPM/IP limit, your AI tools will fail to fetch color data. Consider implementing local caching (e.g., Redis) if reliability is critical.
- Are there any security risks with the `.mcp.json` file?
- The `.mcp.json` file itself doesn’t contain sensitive data, but ensure it’s not exposed publicly (e.g., via web routes). Misconfiguration could theoretically allow unauthorized access to the Espectro API, though the package doesn’t handle authentication.
- Can I customize the `.mcp.json` or add my own MCP tools?
- The package auto-generates the `.mcp.json` file based on Espectro’s tools, so manual customization isn’t supported. However, you can manually edit the file after installation to add or override tools, though this may break compatibility with future updates.
- How do I export a palette as Tailwind CSS or CSS variables?
- Use the `export-combination` MCP tool provided by Espectro. In your AI client (e.g., Cursor or Claude), call this tool with the combination ID, and it will return the palette in Tailwind or CSS variable format. No additional Laravel code is needed.
- Is there a way to use these color tools programmatically in PHP, or is it AI-only?
- This package is designed for AI clients (Cursor, Claude, etc.) and doesn’t expose a PHP SDK. All interactions must go through the MCP interface. If you need programmatic access, you’d need to call the Espectro API directly via HTTP.
- What are the rate limits for Espectro’s API, and how do they affect my app?
- The Espectro MCP server enforces a hard limit of **15 requests per minute per IP**. If your AI tools make frequent calls (e.g., real-time design tools), you may hit this limit. Monitor usage and consider implementing local caching or throttling.
- Are there alternatives to this package for integrating color tools with Laravel?
- If you need local color management, consider packages like `spatie/laravel-color` for PHP-based color handling. For AI-driven tools, Espectro is unique in offering Sanzo Wada’s curated palettes, but you could also explore self-hosted MCP servers or other AI design assistants.