---
title: "URL Parameters"
description: "Deep links and auto-connect via query parameters"
icon: "link"
---

The Inspector supports URL query parameters for deep linking to a specific server or tab and for auto-connecting to a server on load.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Purpose | Values |
|-----------|---------|--------|
| **server** | Select a connected server by ID, or open and connect to a server by URL | Connection ID (URL) or HTTP(S) URL |
| **autoConnect** | Open Inspector and connect to a server automatically | URL string or JSON config |
| **tab** | Open a specific tab | `tools`, `prompts`, `resources`, `chat`, `sampling`, `elicitation`, `notifications`, `playground` |
| **tunnelUrl** | Tunnel subdomain or URL (preserved when navigating) | URL string |
| **embedded** | Run Inspector in embedded mode (e.g. iframe) | `true` |
| **embeddedConfig** | Embedded mode styling (background, padding) | JSON string |

## server

Select an already-connected server by its connection ID (the server URL). If the value is an HTTP(S) URL and no matching connection exists, the Inspector treats it like **autoConnect**: it connects to that URL and then selects the server.

**Examples:**

```
# Select existing server by ID
/?server=https://mcp.example.com/mcp

# Open and connect to a new server (alias for autoConnect when not connected)
/?server=https://new-server.com/mcp
```

## autoConnect

Open the Inspector and connect to a server automatically. Use a plain URL or a JSON object for advanced options (name, auth, transport type, etc.).

**Plain URL:**

```
/?autoConnect=https://mcp.example.com/mcp
```

**JSON config** (URL-encode the value in the query string):

```json
{"url":"https://mcp.example.com/mcp","name":"My Server","transportType":"sse"}
```

Supported JSON fields: `url` (required), `name`, `transportType` (`"http"` or `"sse"`), `connectionType` (`"Direct"` or `"Via Proxy"`), `customHeaders`, `auth` (OAuth tokens), `requestTimeout`, `resetTimeoutOnProgress`, `maxTotalTimeout`.

<Tip>
When passing a JSON object for **autoConnect**, URL-encode the value so special characters are valid in the query string.
</Tip>

## tab

Open the Inspector with a specific tab selected.

**Valid values:** `tools`, `prompts`, `resources`, `chat`, `sampling`, `elicitation`, `notifications`, `playground`

**Example:**

```
/?tab=tools
```

Combine with **server** or **autoConnect** to open a server and tab in one link:

```
/?server=https://mcp.example.com/mcp&tab=tools
```

## tunnelUrl

Used with the CLI tunnel; stores the tunnel subdomain or URL and is preserved when navigating. Typically set by the Inspector or CLI; you rarely need to set it manually.

## embedded

Run the Inspector in embedded mode (e.g. inside an iframe with reduced chrome).

**Example:**

```
/?embedded=true
```

## embeddedConfig

Optional JSON config for embedded mode styling. Use with **embedded=true**.

**Example** (URL-encoded):

```json
{"backgroundColor":"#f5f5f5","padding":"16px"}
```

## Example URLs

Open Inspector and auto-connect to a server:

```
https://inspector.mcp-use.com/inspect?autoConnect=https://your-server.com/mcp
```

Open Inspector, connect to a server, and show the Tools tab:

```
https://inspector.mcp-use.com/inspect?server=https://your-server.com/mcp&tab=tools
```
