Best for
- Claude Desktop users needing fast file operations
- Developers handling large files or streaming data
- Scenarios requiring backups and fault-tolerant editing
- Automated file management and sync tasks
F
Fast Filesystem MCP
Community
High-performance filesystem MCP server for Claude Desktop with large file handling and advanced editing.
GitHub source repository ↗
47FMRS · D
This server offers comprehensive filesystem capabilities, especially suitable for Claude Desktop users dealing with large files and complex edits. Performance optimizations and backup mechanisms are standout features. As it is unofficial, use in trusted environments and be mindful of permissions.
Fast Filesystem MCP is a high-performance MCP server built with Node.js and TypeScript, designed to provide secure and efficient filesystem access for Claude and other AI assistants. It supports streaming read/write of large files, chunked reading, directory synchronization, archive compression, batch editing, and more. Built-in features include backup creation, retry logic, and smart exclusion of system files. The server communicates via stdio and can be quickly integrated into Claude Desktop using npx.
Tools
fast_read_file
Read files with chunking support
fast_read_multiple_files
Read multiple files simultaneously with sequential reading support
fast_write_file
Write or modify files
fast_large_write_file
Stream-based writing for large files
fast_get_file_info
Get detailed file information
fast_copy_file
Copy files and directories with advanced options
fast_move_file
Move/rename files and directories safely
fast_delete_file
Delete files and directories with protection
fast_batch_file_operations
Execute multiple file operations in sequence
fast_compress_files
Create compressed archives (tar, tar.gz, tar.bz2)
fast_extract_archive
Extract compressed archives with options
fast_sync_directories
Advanced directory synchronization with multiple modes
fast_edit_file
Precise line-based file editing with multiple modes
fast_edit_block
Safe block editing with exact string matching
fast_edit_blocks
Batch block editing for multiple precise changes
fast_edit_multiple_blocks
Edit multiple sections in a single operation
fast_extract_lines
Extract specific lines or ranges from files
fast_search_and_replace
Advanced search and replace with regex support
fast_list_directory
List directory contents with pagination
fast_create_directory
Create directories recursively
fast_get_directory_tree
Get directory tree structure
fast_search_files
Search files by name or content
fast_search_code
Advanced code search with ripgrep integration
fast_find_large_files
Find large files in directories
fast_get_disk_usage
Check disk usage information
fast_list_allowed_directories
List allowed directories
Setup
Add the following to your Claude Desktop configuration:
- Open the Claude Desktop config file (claude_desktop_config.json).
- Add
fast-filesystemundermcpServersusing the commandnpx -y fast-filesystem-mcp. - Restart Claude Desktop.
- Optionally set environment variable
CREATE_BACKUP_FILES=trueto enable backup file creation.
claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"fast-filesystem": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "fast-filesystem-mcp"]
}
}
}
Fit and risk
Not for
- Environments with high security requirements that distrust third-party MCP servers
- Remote scenarios requiring network transport (e.g., SSE or HTTP)
- Fully offline environments without Node.js
- Needs for graphical interface or interactive file management
Required permissions
- Read/write filesystem: can read, write, modify, and delete files and directories
- Create backup files (if enabled)
- Execute commands: via `npx`
- Access network (for installation)
Risks and side effects
- File operations may cause data loss or overwrites, despite backup mechanisms
- Malicious prompts could induce unintended operations, requiring user confirmation
- Third-party server may contain vulnerabilities
- Improper allowed directories configuration may expose sensitive files
Troubleshooting
- If tool calls fail, check logs by setting `DEBUG_MCP=true` or `MCP_LOG_FILE`
- Ensure file paths are within allowed directories; use `fast_list_allowed_directories` to view
- For large files, use streaming write tools to avoid memory overflow
- If encountering JSON parsing errors, disable debug output (disabled by default)
Use cases
Efficient file reading, writing, and editing within Claude Desktop
Handling large files that exceed memory limits
Batch file operations and directory synchronization
Code search and replacement
Archive compression and extraction
Supported clients
Claude DesktopFull support