Our MCP connects your favorite AI coding assistant (like Claude, Cursor, or Windsurf) directly to the Icons8 icon library. Instead of searching for icons manually, you can just ask your AI, and it will grab the perfect one for your project right through this connection.
Do I need to pay?
You can start for free. The MCP server gives you PNG icon previews (100x100 pixels) at no cost. For production-ready SVG icons, you need any paid Icons8 plan that includes icons (like Icons, AI and Graphics, or Ultimate). Your subscription automatically includes the MCP feature.
Please note that the GitHub plan does not provide access to the MCP server. To use MCP, you need a paid Icons8 plan that includes icons.
Do I need an API key?
It depends on the format. PNG previews work without any key. To access and download SVG icons, you must use a valid API key from a paid subscription.
What if I see a "No API key" error or get PNGs when I ask for SVGs?
This means your AI assistant is trying to fetch SVG icons, but your setup is missing the key. First, ensure you have an active Icons8 subscription. Then, get your unique API key from the MCP tab in your Icons8 account and paste it into your editor's MCP configuration file.
Are MCP downloads shown in my Downloads tab?
Downloads made through the MCP or API are not logged on the website's Downloads tab. That page only tracks manual downloads from the website and our apps, showing only unique downloads of paid formats and excluding free icons from the history.
Are there any download limits or batch downloads?
Yes, there is a limit of 100 downloads per hour and 1000 per day. Batch downloads aren't available yet, but we're working on them. For now, icons are fetched one by one through your AI's requests.
What are the license terms?
MCP downloads are licensed the same way as regular manual downloads: Free PNG previews require a link back to us; Paid SVG icons can be used in commercial projects without attribution. You keep the right to use those specific icons perpetually in your products after the subscription ends, without needing to add attribution.
My editor isn't listed. Can I still use it?
Possibly! If your AI coding tool supports the MCP standard and SSE (Server-Sent Events), you can manually add the server. Use the generic configuration code from our MCP page and consult your tool's documentation on adding custom MCP servers.
What happens if my subscription is paused?
When a subscription is paused, the account reverts to the free tier, which means the MCP server will only return PNG previews instead of SVGs. To get SVG access back, you'll need to resume your subscription from your Subscription page. Once it's active again, the MCP server will fetch SVGs for you.
How do I get started with the setup?
Have Node.js and an MCP-compatible AI tool (like Cursor or Claude) ready.
Follow the specific setup guide for your editor on our MCP page.
Start asking your AI for icons!
If you have more questions, contact us 💬
Troubleshooting:
MCP uses an authorization code, not an API key. Find your code at icons8.com/profile/summary/mcp — it's specific to your account.
If the connection fails, make sure Node.js is in your system PATH. On Windows, you may need to add the Node.js directory to your PATH environment variable or specify it in your editor's config.
Auth codes cannot be regenerated at the moment. If you accidentally shared yours, it's tied to your private session and isn't usable by others without your account context.
What's supported: MCP currently provides access to icons only. Illustrations, photos, and music are not available through MCP yet.