About huoshui-file-converter
huoshui-file-converter is an MCP server for converting documents within a configured working directory. It supports several formats and confines file operations with sandboxing and path validation.
Key features
- 01Convert Markdown, DOCX, HTML, PDF, and TXT
- 02Detect file formats by content
- 03Restrict file operations to a working directory
- 04Configure the directory via CLI or environment variable
- 05Browse directories and inspect file details
- 06List supported format conversions
Use cases
- 01Convert files between common document formats
- 02Organize documents within a specified directory
- 03Check file formats and available conversions
- 04Browse a restricted directory through an MCP client
MCP support
The MCP server provides document conversion and format detection tools, directory and file information resources, and a prompt to clients.
Configuration
Local server config is the same for every client. Copy it into your client’s MCP config file.
uvx huoshui-file-converterHUOSHUI_WORKING_DIRYour workding directoryLocal servers need a runtime on your machine (e.g. Node.js 18+). Config file locations differ by client; see your client’s docs.
Tools
3Saved tool list · updated 3w ago
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| path | string | Yes | File path (absolute or relative to home directory) |
Details
From the project READMEHuoshui File Converter
A secure MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for document format conversion within a specified working directory.
Features
- 🔒 Sandbox Security: All operations restricted to a configured working directory
- 📄 Format Support: Convert between Markdown, DOCX, HTML, PDF, and TXT
- 🚀 MCP Integration: Full MCP protocol support with prompts, resources, and tools
- ⚙️ Flexible Configuration: CLI arguments, environment variables, or current directory
- 🔍 Smart Detection: Intelligent file format detection by content analysis
Quick Start
Installation
Option 1: From MCP Registry (Recommended)
This server is available in the Model Context Protocol Registry. Install it using your MCP client.
mcp-name: io.github.huoshuiai42/huoshui-file-converter
Option 2: Using uvx
uvx huoshui-file-converter
Option 3: Using pip
pip install huoshui-file-converter
Basic Usage
# Use current directory
uvx huoshui-file-converter
# Specify working directory (recommended)
uvx huoshui-file-converter --dir "/path/to/documents"
# Short form
uvx huoshui-file-converter -d "~/Documents"
MCP Client Configuration
For Claude Desktop or other MCP clients:
{
"mcpServers": {
"huoshui-converter": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["huoshui-file-converter", "--dir", "/Users/yourname/Documents"]
}
}
}
Configuration Options
Priority Order
- CLI Argument (highest priority):
--diror-d - Environment Variable:
HUOSHUI_WORKING_DIR - Smart Default: Documents folder if current directory is problematic
- Current Directory (fallback)
Examples
# CLI argument (best for MCP clients)
uvx huoshui-file-converter --dir "/project/docs"
# Environment variable
export HUOSHUI_WORKING_DIR="/project/docs"
uvx huoshui-file-converter
# Current directory fallback
cd /project/docs
uvx huoshui-file-converter
Supported Conversions
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Markdown | DOCX, HTML, PDF |
| DOCX | Markdown, HTML, PDF |
| HTML | Markdown, DOCX, PDF |
| TXT | Markdown, DOCX, HTML, PDF |
MCP Tools & Resources
Tools
convert_document: Convert files between formatsdetect_format: Intelligent format detection
Resources
file_list: Browse directory contents (optimized for large directories)limit: Control number of files shown (default: 100)supported_only: Show only convertible files
file_get: Get detailed file informationconversion_capability_list: List supported conversions
Prompts
role_and_rules: AI assistant behavior guidelines
Performance Features
- Fast Directory Listing: Extension-based format detection for large directories
- Smart File Limits: Default 100-file limit prevents UI freezing
- Large File Handling: Files >50MB are marked and handled specially
- Selective Display: Option to show only supported file formats
- Memory Efficient: Avoids reading file contents during directory browsing
Security Features
- Path Validation: Prevents directory traversal attacks
- Working Directory Restriction: All operations sandboxed to configured directory
- Startup Validation: Checks directory existence and permissions
- Relative Path Enforcement: Absolute paths are rejected
Command Line Options
$ uvx huoshui-file-converter --help
usage: huoshui-file-converter [-h] [--dir PATH] [--version]
Huoshui Document Converter - MCP Server for file conversion within a working directory
options:
-h, --help show this help message and exit
--dir PATH, -d PATH
Working directory for file operations (default: current directory or HUOSHUI_WORKING_DIR env var)
--version, -v show program's version number and exit
Examples:
uvx huoshui-file-converter # Use current directory
uvx huoshui-file-converter --dir /docs # Use specific directory
uvx huoshui-file-converter -d ./project # Use relative directory
Configuration Priority:
1. CLI argument (--dir/-d)
2. Environment variable (HUOSHUI_WORKING_DIR)
3. Current working directory
Error Handling
The server validates the working directory on startup:
✅ Working directory configured: /Users/name/Documents
📂 Source: CLI argument
Common errors and solutions:
| Error | Solution |
|---|---|
| Directory not found | Create directory or fix path |
| No write access | Check permissions (chmod on Unix) |
| Path outside sandbox | Use relative paths only |
Development
Requirements
- Python 3.8+
- pypandoc
- pandoc (system dependency)
- LaTeX (for PDF conversion)
Testing
# Test configuration
uvx huoshui-file-converter --dir "/tmp/test"
# Check startup messages
# ✅ Working directory configured: /tmp/test
# 📂 Source: CLI argument
Documentation
License
[Your license here]
Comments
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