Pexels MCP Server

What is Pexels MCP Server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides access to the Pexels API, allowing AI models to search for and retrieve photos, videos, and collections from Pexels.

How to use Pexels MCP Server?

Install dependencies with pnpm install, build with pnpm build, then run with PEXELS_API_KEY=your_api_key pnpm dev. The server offers tools (e.g., searchPhotos, searchVideos) and URI resources (e.g., pexels-photo://{id}) to access Pexels content. It can also be deployed to Smithery by providing the API key in configuration.

Key features of Pexels MCP Server

• Search photos and videos by query, orientation, size, and color
• Access curated and popular content from Pexels
• Browse Pexels collections
• Retrieve detailed information about specific photos and videos
• Access content via tools or direct URI resources

Use cases of Pexels MCP Server

• AI assistants retrieving photos for articles or presentations
• Automated video search for multimedia projects
• Integration with creative tools needing stock visuals
• Accessing curated collections for design inspiration

FAQ from Pexels MCP Server

What are the runtime requirements?

Node.js 18 or higher and a Pexels API key (obtainable at https://www.pexels.com/api/).

How do I get a Pexels API key?

Sign up at pexels.com/api to obtain a free API key.

What attribution is required when using the Pexels API?

You must always show a prominent link to Pexels (e.g., "Photos provided by Pexels") and credit photographers (e.g., "Photo by John Doe on Pexels").

Does the server support OAuth authentication?

No. The getMyCollections tool is commented out because it requires OAuth 2.0, which this server does not support.

What error handling does the server provide?

The server returns informative error messages for invalid API keys, rate limits, or missing resources, and includes current Pexels API rate limit status (remaining requests, reset time) in successful responses.