ChatGPT + Softr: Connecting the Official MCP Server
Yes — Softr launched an official, Softr-hosted MCP server at https://mcp.softr.io/mcp on June 16, 2026, with explicit OAuth support for ChatGPT (the docs even publish pre-built OAuth clients for ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and Mistral AI). The pitch is that every Softr app can act as its own MCP server: 20 tools across databases, tables, and records — list, search, create (including batch), and update. One nuance: there’s no Softr app in ChatGPT’s directory as of July 2026, so you connect it yourself as a custom connector rather than flipping a switch in the apps list. And the MCP scope is data-only — app users, pages, and workflows stay behind Softr’s REST API.
Here’s what the connection actually does, how to set it up, and what to use when you want portal operations that run without you.
What ChatGPT can actually do with Softr
- Search and list records in plain English. “Show me requests from this week tagged ‘urgent’” runs real queries against your Softr databases and tables.
- Create records — including in batch. Paste a list of new entries and have them created in one pass, no CSV import ritual.
- Update records mid-conversation. Change a status, correct a field, close out a request while you’re discussing it.
- Work across your stack in agent sessions. With ChatGPT Work (launched July 9, 2026), a long, usage-metered agent run can combine Softr data with your other connected apps — reconcile a table against a spreadsheet, say. Still a run you start manually.
What it can’t touch matters for portal operators: app users, pages, and workflows aren’t exposed via MCP. Inviting a client, deactivating a user, or managing pages goes through the Softr Public API instead — Personal Access Token, Softr-Api-Key header, rate-limited at 20 requests/second on paid plans (10 on free).
How to set it up
- In ChatGPT (Business/Enterprise, or Developer Mode where custom connectors are available), add a new custom connector — there’s no directory listing to enable.
- Enter the endpoint:
https://mcp.softr.io/mcp. - Authorize via OAuth — Softr ships a pre-built OAuth client for ChatGPT, so the sign-in flow is native. (Custom clients can use a personal API token instead.)
- Ask something concrete against a real table — “list the five newest records in Requests” — to confirm the tools resolved.
The June 16 launch sits inside a bigger Softr push: the same changelog added Excel and Salesforce as native data sources on June 30, plus ActiveCampaign, Brevo, and Xero workflow connections. Softr positions itself as an AI platform for business apps — the MCP server is that strategy pointed outward.
The limits that actually matter
- Data tools only. The 20 MCP tools cover databases, tables, and records. User management — the thing client-portal admins automate most — isn’t there; it needs the REST API.
- No triggers. Softr has no general outbound webhook system, and ChatGPT couldn’t receive one anyway. A new record in “Requests” doesn’t start a conversation; someone has to ask.
- Session-bound, even in agent mode. ChatGPT Work runs are long but manually started and metered. There’s no standing watch on your portal.
- Cross-stack follow-through stops at the chat. ChatGPT can create a record; it won’t also send the magic-link invite, update the CRM, and notify the account owner as one motion.
If you want Softr work that runs on its own: Carly
The operational rhythm of a client portal is event-driven: a deal closes, a contract ends, a request lands. Those are triggers, and triggers are exactly what a chat session doesn’t have.
Carly is an AI executive assistant that acts on triggers across Softr’s MCP-exposed data and the REST API’s user management:
- Deal closes in the CRM → Carly creates the client in your Softr portal via the Users API and sends the magic-link invite — onboarding done before the kickoff call.
- New record in the “Requests” table → Carly summarizes it and routes it to the right teammate.
- Contract ends → Carly deactivates the portal user and logs the offboarding date in your database.
- Monday 8am → a one-paragraph digest of portal activity: new records across your key tables, flagged items, anything untouched.
- No-code setup. Describe the workflow in plain English; Carly interviews you and builds it.
- Actually sends — drafts and sends email across Gmail and Outlook, updates records, creates follow-up tasks.
- Connects to anything — 200+ native integrations, plus any other tool via your own API key.
AI agents start at $35/month, and steps in a workflow that don’t use AI run free and unlimited. Carly natively integrates with Softr.
ChatGPT vs Carly
| ChatGPT (Softr MCP) | Carly | |
|---|---|---|
| Search, create, update records | Yes, including batch creates | Yes |
| Manage portal users (invite, deactivate) | No — not exposed via MCP | Yes, via the Softr API |
| Reacts to a new request by itself | No | Yes, on any trigger |
| Weekly portal digest, unprompted | No | Yes, on a schedule |
| Runs without a session open | No (agent runs are started + metered) | Yes (cloud, 24/7) |
| Sends client invites and emails | No | Yes (Gmail + Outlook) |
| Setup | Add custom connector + OAuth | Describe it in plain English |
| Pricing | Paid ChatGPT plan | AI agents from $35/mo |
Softr’s MCP server makes ChatGPT a capable console for your portal’s data. Carly is the assistant that runs the portal’s operations — users included — while you’re with clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ChatGPT work with Softr?
Yes. Softr launched an official hosted MCP server at mcp.softr.io/mcp on June 16, 2026, with a pre-built OAuth client for ChatGPT. There’s no listing in ChatGPT’s apps directory, so you add it yourself as a custom connector and authorize via OAuth.
What can the Softr MCP server do?
It exposes 20 tools across databases, tables, and records: list, search, create (including batch creates), and update. App users, pages, and workflows are not exposed via MCP — those require Softr’s Public API with a Personal Access Token.
Can ChatGPT invite or deactivate Softr portal users?
No. User management (create, delete, deactivate, reactivate, invite with magic links) lives in Softr’s REST API, not the MCP server. A trigger-based assistant like Carly can automate it — for example, creating and inviting a portal user automatically when a deal closes.
Can ChatGPT alert me when a new record lands in my Softr app?
No. Softr has no general outbound webhook system, and ChatGPT only acts inside sessions you start. For “new request → summarize and route it,” you need an assistant that polls or triggers on events, like Carly.
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