LobeHub WorkPaper MCP setup
Use this when a LobeHub agent needs spreadsheet-shaped business logic, but the formula truth should live in a WorkPaper API instead of Excel UI automation, browser grid clicks, or unchecked workbook readback.
LobeHub’s Custom MCP flow supports:
- Streamable HTTP for remote MCP servers available over HTTPS.
- STDIO for local desktop MCP servers. LobeHub documents STDIO as desktop only, not web.
- Import JSON config, which is the fastest way to add a custom MCP server.
Official LobeHub reference:
Fastest smoke test: hosted Streamable HTTP
In LobeHub, open Settings -> Skills -> Skill Store -> Custom -> Add custom skill, then choose Import JSON config and paste:
{
"mcpServers": {
"bilig-workpaper": {
"url": "https://bilig.proompteng.ai/mcp",
"type": "http"
}
}
}
Click Import, review the generated settings, then click Test connection. The hosted endpoint exposes these tools:
list_sheetsread_rangeread_cellset_cell_contentsset_cell_contents_and_readbackget_cell_display_valueexport_workpaper_documentvalidate_formula
Use this prompt after enabling the custom MCP on an agent:
List the available Bilig WorkPaper tools. Then read the sample sheets, set the
conversion-rate input to 0.4, read the recalculated ARR output, export the
WorkPaper document, and return a compact proof object.
The hosted endpoint is stateless and request-local. It proves that LobeHub can discover and call Bilig WorkPaper tools. It does not persist a private project file.
Persistent desktop WorkPaper: STDIO
Use this in the LobeHub desktop app when the WorkPaper JSON file should live on your machine and survive across turns.
Import this JSON:
{
"mcpServers": {
"bilig-workpaper-local": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"--package",
"@bilig/workpaper@latest",
"bilig-workpaper-mcp",
"--workpaper",
"./pricing.workpaper.json",
"--init-demo-workpaper",
"--writable"
],
"type": "stdio"
}
}
}
--init-demo-workpaper creates the demo file only when it is missing.
--writable lets tool writes persist back to the same WorkPaper JSON file.
Before adding it to LobeHub, you can prove the same local MCP contract from a terminal:
npx -y --package @bilig/workpaper@latest bilig-mcp-challenge --json
Expected proof fields include:
{
"transport": "stdio-json-rpc",
"tools": [
"list_sheets",
"read_range",
"read_cell",
"set_cell_contents",
"get_cell_display_value",
"export_workpaper_document",
"validate_formula"
],
"editedCell": "Inputs!B3",
"dependentCell": "Summary!B3",
"before": 60000,
"after": 96000,
"afterRestore": 96000,
"afterRestart": 96000,
"persistedDocumentBytes": 1162,
"verified": true
}
verified should only be true after the dependent formula output is read back
and the persisted document can be restored.
Which path to use
| Path | Use when | LobeHub surface |
|---|---|---|
| Hosted Streamable HTTP | You need a quick remote tool-discovery smoke test. | Web or desktop Custom MCP |
| Local STDIO | You need a private writable WorkPaper JSON file. | Desktop Custom MCP |
Start with hosted HTTP when you only need to verify tool calling. Use local STDIO when the agent should own durable workbook state on your machine.
Troubleshooting
- If Test connection fails for the hosted endpoint, confirm the URL is
https://bilig.proompteng.ai/mcp, type ishttp, and auth is empty. - If STDIO fails, run
which npxand thebilig-mcp-challengecommand in a terminal first. LobeHub needs to find the same executable from its desktop process environment. - If tools are installed but not used, enable the custom MCP on the specific LobeHub agent before asking for the proof.
- If you need Excel desktop parity, macros, pivots, charts, or external links, keep Excel or a workbook oracle in the loop and treat this as a WorkPaper API proof, not a desktop Excel proof.