An external AI client, a connected AI account and a website connector have different purposes. Use this article to understand those differences before deciding what kind of connection you need.
What is an external AI connection for?
The purpose of connecting an external AI client to Tracy is to work with a selected site’s content from that client’s conversation, through Tracy.
An external AI client means an application such as ChatGPT or Claude where you hold the conversation. The intended benefit is to use the conversation you are already working in while keeping the website work subject to Tracy’s site access and change records.
This article explains the purpose of these connections. For help with a particular client or connection requirement, contact Tracy Discord and describe what you want to do, without including credentials.
What is MCP?
MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, a way for an AI client to use tools provided by another service.
For Tracy, the purpose is to let an external client request supported content work through Tracy, rather than treating the website as an unrestricted connection. Reading content, requesting an edit and reviewing the resulting changes are different actions. A connection does not remove the need to inspect the website after an edit.
Permission to work with content is not permission to change code, manage a domain or delete a site. Site access and the requested scope still matter. See Team, roles and invitations for Owner, Editor and Viewer permissions.
Is this the same as connecting an AI account inside Tracy?
Connecting an AI account inside Tracy lets Tracy use that account to answer your requests; connecting an external AI client to Tracy serves the opposite direction.
With an AI account connected inside Tracy, you continue the conversation in Tracy. The connection determines which AI account Tracy uses, subject to connection status, availability and usage limits. It does not give a separate application permission to access a website.
Tracy AI is included with your Tracy account, so a personal AI connection is not required to start. Tracy is free during the beta. See AI accounts, models and limits for that separate connection process.
What is Claude Cowork on my website?
Claude Cowork is the connector Tracy installs on a WordPress or Joomla site to communicate with that site.
It is a WordPress plugin or a Joomla component. Its name identifies Tracy’s website connector, rather than an external AI application. Installing this connector during an import is different from connecting ChatGPT or Claude to Tracy.
The connector’s access token allows Tracy to connect to the site without keeping the admin password entered for the import. Enter that token only in the relevant import field. See Import a site for the import process and its effects on the original site.
EmDash uses a different integration and does not use this WordPress or Joomla connector. Do not assume that every platform supports identical tools or content operations. See What is Tracy for the supported website platforms.
Is the MCP servers catalog Tracy’s own connection?
The MCP servers catalog lists separate products and their tools; it is not Tracy’s own MCP connection or a setup guide for it.
The MCP servers includes third-party WordPress plugins and Joomla extensions. Entries describe what is known about a particular product and the evidence checked for it. Review the individual entry rather than assuming every listing has the same capabilities or verification.
A catalog listing does not mean the product is installed on your site, connected to your Tracy account or included in your site’s permissions. It is also separate from the Claude Cowork connector used during import.
What is the API for?
Tracy’s API is intended for software that makes structured requests to read or change a specific site’s supported content through Tracy.
API stands for application programming interface. Its purpose is to support integration or automation without requiring a person to enter each request in Tracy’s chat. The site platform, supported operations and current permissions determine the work an integration can perform.
An API credential is not a substitute for site membership or permission to edit. An external AI client’s authorization is also different from a general API key. Do not treat a connector token, a Tracy API key and an AI account credential as interchangeable.
For integration guidance, explain the site platform and the work you want to automate through Tracy Discord. Keep credentials out of that description.
Can I share a token to get help?
Never share an access token, API key, sign-in code or private callback address in chat, comments, screenshots or support messages.
A token or API key is a secret credential used to authenticate a connection. Keep it private, use only the relevant connection fields and give an integration only the access its work requires.
Signing out of Tracy, removing a website connector and disconnecting an AI account are different actions. Do not assume that one action revokes every other connection or deletes every associated record. Disconnecting an AI account inside Tracy removes its saved credential from Tracy; it does not promise to revoke access everywhere at the external provider.
If a credential may have been exposed, contact Tracy Discord without posting the credential. Explain which type of connection is affected so the team can guide you on the appropriate access controls. See Security and your data for the scope of sign-out and disconnection.
What should I check after an external request?
AI can make mistakes. Not every change can be undone, and external effects cannot be recalled.
Review the affected pages and See what Tracy changed after an edit. A completed request is not proof that the website looks or behaves correctly.
If a request loses its response, check the resulting website and change history before repeating it. The change may already have been applied. Use Undo and backups to understand the available recovery tools and their limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is an external AI connection for?The purpose of connecting an external AI client to Tracy is to work with a selected site’s content from that client’s conversation, through Tracy.
What is MCP?MCP stands for Model Context Protocol, a way for an AI client to use tools provided by another service.
Is this the same as connecting an AI account inside Tracy?Connecting an AI account inside Tracy lets Tracy use that account to answer your requests; connecting an external AI client to Tracy serves the opposite direction.
What is Claude Cowork on my website?Claude Cowork is the connector Tracy installs on a WordPress or Joomla site to communicate with that site.
Is the MCP servers catalog Tracy’s own connection?The MCP servers catalog lists separate products and their tools; it is not Tracy’s own MCP connection or a setup guide for it.
What is the API for?Tracy’s API is intended for software that makes structured requests to read or change a specific site’s supported content through Tracy.
Can I share a token to get help?Never share an access token, API key, sign-in code or private callback address in chat, comments, screenshots or support messages.