APIWeaver + Perplexity: Complete MCP Integration

APIWeaver is a MCP server that An MCP server that dynamically creates MCP servers from web API configurations. This allows you to easily integrate any REST API, GraphQL endpoint, or web service into an MCP-compatible tool that can be used by AI assistants like Claude..

When integrated with Perplexity, you can:

• Register and configure APIs at runtime without server restart
• Support for REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and web services
• Multiple authentication methods for different API requirements

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to set up APIWeaver in Perplexity, including configuration, examples, and troubleshooting.

What You'll Achieve

After completing this setup:

• APIWeaver will be fully integrated and operational
• You can use APIWeaver tools directly in Perplexity
• All APIWeaver capabilities will be available for your workflows
• Access to 6 different tools

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Perplexity installed and configured
• Compatible operating system (macOS App)

Installation

Step 1: Install APIWeaver

Configuration

Step 2: Configure Perplexity

1. Open Perplexity settings
2. Navigate to MCP server configuration
3. Add APIWeaver server with appropriate settings
4. Save and restart if needed

Examples

Once configured, you can use APIWeaver in Perplexity:

Register REST API with Authentication

Add a REST API with Bearer token authentication

Ask Perplexity: "Register the JSONPlaceholder API (https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com) with GET and POST methods"

Expected Result: API registered successfully with auto-generated tools for posts, users, and comments endpoints

GraphQL Endpoint Integration

Connect to a GraphQL API for data querying

Ask Perplexity: "Register the GitHub GraphQL API with authentication and create tools for repository queries"

Expected Result: GraphQL endpoint configured with query tools for repositories, issues, and user data

API Testing and Validation

Test API connectivity before integration

Ask Perplexity: "Test connection to the Stripe API with my API key before registering it"

Expected Result: Connection test successful with API schema validation and endpoint verification

Multi-API Workflow

Integrate multiple APIs for complex workflows

Ask Perplexity: "Register both Twitter API and SendGrid API to create a workflow for social media monitoring and email alerts"

Expected Result: Both APIs registered with tools for tweet monitoring, email sending, and automated workflow execution

Testing Your Setup

1. Launch Perplexity
2. Verify APIWeaver is available in the tools list
3. Test basic APIWeaver functionality

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

API Registration Failed

Symptoms: Registration errors, Invalid API configuration, Connection timeouts

Cause: Incorrect API URL, authentication issues, or network problems

Solution:

• Verify API endpoint URL is accessible
• Check authentication credentials are valid
• Test API manually with curl or Postman first
• Ensure network connectivity and firewall settings

Authentication Not Working

Symptoms: 401 Unauthorized, 403 Forbidden, Auth token invalid

Cause: Incorrect authentication method or invalid credentials

Solution:

• Verify authentication method matches API requirements
• Check API key/token is not expired
• Confirm header format and parameter names
• Test authentication with API documentation examples

Transport Mode Not Connecting

Symptoms: Connection refused, Transport errors, Client not recognizing server

Cause: Incorrect transport configuration or port conflicts

Solution:

• Use streamable-http for modern clients
• Check port is not in use: netstat -an | grep :8000
• Verify host/port settings match client configuration
• Try different transport modes (stdio/http/sse)

Python Dependencies Missing

Symptoms: Import errors, Module not found, Package installation failures

Cause: Missing Python packages or virtual environment issues

Solution:

• Install requirements: pip install -r requirements.txt
• Create virtual environment: python -m venv apiweaver-env
• Activate environment before installation
• Upgrade pip: python -m pip install --upgrade pip

API Schema Generation Failed

Symptoms: Tool generation errors, Schema parsing failures, Endpoint mapping issues

Cause: Unsupported API format or incomplete API documentation

Solution:

• Provide OpenAPI/Swagger specification if available
• Start with simple GET endpoints first
• Manually configure complex APIs step by step
• Check API documentation for required parameters

Connector Fails to Start

Symptoms: Status remains "Inactive" or shows error, Red dot indicator

Cause: Command not found or missing dependencies in the environment.

Solution:

• Test the command in a regular terminal window to ensure it works.
• Use absolute paths for all executables (e.g., use /opt/homebrew/bin/node instead of node).
• Check if the server requires specific environment variables.

Permission Errors

Symptoms: "Access denied" responses, Server crashes on file access

Cause: macOS permissions blocking access to specific folders.

Solution:

• Ensure Perplexity (or the terminal running the server) has Full Disk Access in macOS System Settings if accessing sensitive directories.
• Verify PerplexityXPC is correctly installed.

Tools Not Visible

Symptoms: Perplexity does not attempt to use the tool, Hallucinated responses

Cause: Connector not selected as a source.

Solution:

• Start a NEW thread.
• Explicitly select the connector in the "Sources" menu before sending the prompt.

APIWeaver not appearing in Perplexity

Symptoms: Server not listed, Tools not available

Cause: Configuration or installation issue

Solution:

• Verify configuration syntax
• Check APIWeaver installation
• Restart Perplexity
• Check logs for error messages

Next Steps

Now that APIWeaver is integrated with Perplexity:

• Explore all APIWeaver capabilities through Perplexity
• Check out other MCP servers that work with Perplexity
• Join the MCP community for tips and support
• Consider contributing to APIWeaver development

Need Help?

• Search for APIWeaver documentation
• Check the Perplexity MCP guide
• Join the MCP community discussions