Paraview

claude mcp add --scope project clio-paraview -- clio-kit mcp-server paraview

Install the launcher first. Restart your client after setup. Configuration locations →

clio-kit doctor --server paraview --connect

Tools​

load_scientific_data

Load scientific datasets (VTK, EXODUS, CSV, RAW, BP5) into ParaView with automatic format detection.

save_contour_as_stl

Save the active contour or surface as an STL file in the data directory.

create_geometric_shape

Create a geometric source (Sphere, Cone, Cylinder, Plane, or Box).

generate_isosurface

Create an isosurface visualization of the active source at the given isovalue.

create_data_slice

Create a slice plane through the loaded volume data.

configure_volume_display

Toggle volume rendering visibility for the active source.

toggle_visibility

Toggle visibility for the active source.

set_active_source

Set the active pipeline object by its registered name.

get_active_source_names_by_type

List pipeline source names, optionally filtered by type.

edit_volume_opacity

Edit the opacity transfer function for a scalar field.

set_color_map

Set a custom color transfer function for volume rendering.

apply_field_coloring

Color the active visualization by a specific data field.

compute_surface_area

Compute the surface area of the active dataset (must be a surface mesh).

Details

Returns: Status message with area value.

set_color_map_preset

Apply a predefined color map preset (e.g., Viridis, Plasma, Cool to Warm).

set_representation_type

Set the representation type for the active source (Surface, Wireframe, Points, etc.).

get_pipeline

Get the current visualization pipeline structure.

Details

Returns: Description of the current pipeline.

get_available_arrays

List available data arrays in the active source.

Details

Returns: List of available arrays.

get_histogram

Compute histogram data for a field in the active source.

generate_flow_streamlines

Create streamlines from a vector volume using the StreamTracer filter.

take_viewport_screenshot

Capture a screenshot of the current ParaView viewport and save it as a timestamped PNG.

show_screenshot_preview

Capture a screenshot with inline preview using temporary files.

rotate_camera

Rotate the camera by azimuth and elevation angles in degrees.

reset_camera

Reset the camera to show all data in the viewport.

Details

Returns: Status message.

plot_over_line

Create a 'Plot Over Line' filter to sample data between two points.

warp_by_vector

Apply a 'Warp By Vector' filter to the active source.

list_commands

List all available commands in this ParaView MCP server.

Details

Returns: List of available commands.

Examples​

Replace example paths with your own files and check the returned results.

Basic Scientific Data Visualization​

Load /data/simulation_output.vtk with temperature data, create an isosurface at temperature 300, 
apply Blue to Red color map preset, and take a high-resolution screenshot.

Volume Visualization with Flow Analysis​

Using /data/fluid_dynamics.bp5, create volume rendering of pressure field with Rainbow color map,
add streamlines to visualize flow patterns, and adjust opacity for better visibility.

Multi-Slice Data Exploration​

Load /data/medical_scan.vti, get array info to identify density field, create three orthogonal slices 
through the center, color by density field using Viridis preset, and export slices to VTK format.

Advanced ADIOS2/BP5 Analysis​

Query metadata from /data/checkpoint.bp5 to list available timesteps and variables, 
convert to VTK format, create histogram of temperature distribution, apply threshold filter 
to extract hot regions (>500K), and visualize with appropriate color mapping.

Interactive Camera Control​

Load /data/molecule.vtk, create isosurface of electron density, rotate camera 45 degrees around Y axis,
zoom in to focus on binding site, set camera position for optimal viewing angle, and save multiple viewpoints.

Native backend configuration​

Use a Python interpreter matching the ParaView build, with native modules on PYTHONPATH and dependency libraries on LD_LIBRARY_PATH. Rendering tools run on the same MCP thread to preserve the graphics context. Headless GLX builds may require Xvfb; the local acceptance test rendered a sphere through native pvserver.