A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables Claude to search and retrieve Panda3D documentation seamlessly during conversations.
mcp-panda3dPanda3D is a powerful, open-source 3D game engine and rendering library. Originally developed by Disney and maintained by Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center, it provides:
- A complete framework for 3D rendering, physics, animation, and game development
- Python and C++ APIs for development flexibility
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Advanced features like shader support, scene graph architecture, and collision detection
Panda3D is used in both commercial games and academic research projects, making it a valuable tool for game developers, researchers, and students.
This MCP server serves as a bridge between Claude and the official Panda3D documentation. It:
- Receives documentation queries from Claude through the Model Context Protocol
- Uses Puppeteer to search the official Panda3D documentation website
- Parses and extracts relevant information from search results
- Returns formatted documentation content back to Claude
Under the hood, the server:
- Launches a headless browser using Puppeteer
- Performs searches on the Panda3D documentation site (https://docs.panda3d.org)
- Extracts search results and detailed content
- Formats the information for optimal readability in Claude
- Provides both a summary of search results and in-depth documentation
The Panda3D documentation is one of the largest monsters I've ever had the misfortune of coming across so I use Claude frequently to scrape it.
also probably why the higher level Ursina project (built on panda3d) exists in the first place.
- Direct Search API access: Finds relevant Panda3D classes, functions, and concepts
- Rich Results: Returns both search result listings and detailed content
- Smart Prioritization: Identifies the most relevant result for specific queries
- Debug Information: Includes detailed logs for troubleshooting
- MCP Integration: Works seamlessly within Claude conversations
flowchart TD
Claude["Claude AI"] <--> MCP["Model Context Protocol"]
MCP <--> Server["panda3d-docs-server"]
Server --> A["get_docs"]
style Claude fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style MCP fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style Server fill:#ddf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
style A fill:#dfd,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
| Tool Name | Description | Parameters |
|---|---|---|
get_docs |
Searches Panda3D documentation and returns formatted results | query: Search termcheck_keywords: Search in module names (default: true)search_contents: Search docstrings (default: false) |
- Node.js (v16 or higher)
- npm (v7 or higher)
-
Clone this repository:
git clone https://github.com/th3w1zard1/mcp-panda3d.git cd mcp-panda3d -
Install dependencies:
npm install
-
Build the server:
npm run build
-
Run the server:
npm start
Add the server configuration to your Claude Desktop config file:
Windows:
Edit %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
macOS:
Edit ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-panda3d": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "git+https://github.com/th3w1zard1/mcp-panda3d.git"]
}
}
}{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-panda3d": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["C:/Users/Benjamin/Documents/Cline/MCP/mcp-panda3d/build/index.js"]
}
}
}If you're using SmitheryAI to manage your MCP servers:
npx @smithery/cli install mcp-panda3d --client claudeOnce configured, you can ask Claude to search the Panda3D documentation:
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="ShowBase class"Additional parameters:
check_keywords: Search in module names and titles (default: true)search_contents: Search in docstrings and code (default: false)
Example with all parameters:
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="collision detection" check_keywords=true search_contents=trueClaude will return a formatted response including:
- A list of search results with links
- Detailed documentation for the most relevant result
- Debug information for troubleshooting
This document provides examples of how to use the Panda3D Documentation Server with Claude.
To ask Claude to search for Panda3D documentation, use the following format:
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="your search term"@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="NodePath"This will return documentation about the NodePath class, which is one of the fundamental classes in Panda3D used to represent a node in the scene graph.
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="setPos"This will return documentation about the setPos method, which is used to position objects in 3D space.
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="collision detection"This will return information about Panda3D's collision detection system.
To search within function docstrings and code (not just titles):
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="particle effects" search_contents=trueThis enables a more comprehensive search that looks within the content of the documentation.
You can control the search behavior with additional parameters:
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="shader" check_keywords=true search_contents=truecheck_keywords: Search in module names and titles (default: true)search_contents: Search in docstrings and code (default: false)
Here's an example of how you might use the Panda3D Documentation Server in a conversation with Claude:
You: I want to create a simple 3D scene in Panda3D. Where should I start? Claude: To create a simple 3D scene in Panda3D, you'd want to start with the ShowBase class, which initializes the 3D rendering pipeline. Let me get the documentation for you. Claude: @mcp-panda3d get_docs query="ShowBase"
Claude searches and displays the ShowBase documentation
You: How do I add a 3D model to my scene? Claude: You'd use the loader.loadModel method along with a NodePath. Let me get that documentation. Claude: @mcp-panda3d get_docs query="loadModel"
Claude searches and display the loadModel documentation
You: How do I make my model move around? Claude: @mcp-panda3d get_docs query="setPos setHpr interval"
Claude searches and display documentation about positioning, rotation, and animation intervals
- Be specific: Use class names, method names, or specific concepts when possible
- Use technical terms: Panda3D-specific terminology will yield better results
- Combine related terms: You can combine multiple related terms in a single query
- Enable content search: Use
search_contents=truefor more comprehensive results - Follow up: If the initial results don't contain what you need, try reformulating your query
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="scene graph"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="coordinate system"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="transforms"@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="model loading"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="animation"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="actor"@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="collision detection"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="physics engine"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="bullet physics"@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="event handling"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="mouse input"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="keyboard input"@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="shaders"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="lighting"
@mcp-panda3d get_docs query="particle effects"npm run buildnpm run watchThe MCP Inspector provides a web interface for debugging:
npm run inspectorAccess the inspector in your browser at the URL provided in the console.
- Search returns no results: Check your query format and try more general terms
- Browser initialization errors: Make sure your system has a compatible browser for Puppeteer
MIT. Do what you want with it, just don't claim it as your own work.
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.