Google Docs MCP server
Automate document creation, editing, and formatting at scale with an AI agent. This MCP server enables programmatic access to create reports from templates, insert data and tables, apply company branding, and manage collaborative workflows—eliminating manual document work.
Setting up an MCP server
This article covers the standard steps for creating an MCP server in AI Gateway and connecting it to an AI client. The steps are the same for every integration — application-specific details (API credentials, OAuth endpoints, and scopes) are covered in the Authentication section on this page.
Before you begin
You'll need:
- Access to AI Gateway with permission to create MCP servers.
- API credentials for the application you're connecting (see the Authentication section on this page for what to collect).
Create an MCP server
Find the app in the catalog
- Sign in to AI Gateway and select App Catalog from the left navigation.
- Search for the application you want to connect, then select it from the catalog.
- Select Create MCP Server to start the wizard.
App Configuration
Confirm the Base URL for the API, then, under Tools, select the endpoints you want to expose. Select Next.
MCP Server Setup
- Enter a Name for your server — something descriptive that identifies both the application and its purpose.
- Enter a Description so your team knows what the server is for.
- Set the log level: choose Production Mode for terser logs, or Non-Production Mode for more verbose logs that can help with debugging.
- Select Next.
Authentication
Enter the authentication details for the application. This varies by service — see the Authentication section on this page for the specific credentials, OAuth URLs, and scopes to use.
Review
Look over the summary of your MCP server configuration, then select Create & Deploy. AI Gateway provisions the server and provides a server URL you'll use when configuring your AI client.
Connect to an AI client
Once your server is deployed, you'll need to add it to the AI client your team uses. Select your client for setup instructions:
Tips
- You can create multiple MCP servers for the same application — for example, a read-only server for reporting agents and a read-write server for automation workflows.
- If you're unsure which OAuth scopes to request, start with the minimum read-only set and add write scopes only when needed. Most application pages include scope recommendations.
Authentication
Google Docs API uses OAuth 2.0 for secure access. Set up your project in Google Cloud Console, enable the Google Docs and Google Drive APIs, and create OAuth credentials. In Google Cloud Console, go to APIs & Services > Credentials and create a Web application OAuth 2.0 credential.
| Value | Setting |
|---|---|
| Redirect URI | https://auth.aigateway.cequence.ai/v1/outbound/oauth/callback |
| Auth endpoint | https://accounts.google.com/o/oauth2/v2/auth |
| Token endpoint | https://oauth2.googleapis.com/token |
| Scopes | https://www.googleapis.com/auth/documents, https://www.googleapis.com/auth/documents.readonly, https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.file |
Available tools
These tools give you programmatic control over document creation, content editing, formatting, and collaboration.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Create document | Create a new Google Doc |
| Get document | Retrieve full document content and structure |
| Batch update | Apply multiple edits in a single request |
| Insert text | Add text at a specific location in the document |
| Update text | Find and replace content |
| Apply formatting | Set fonts, colors, bold, italic, underline, and alignment |
| Insert page break | Add a page break at a specific location |
| Create table | Insert a table with specified rows and columns |
| Insert image | Embed an image from a URL into the document |
| Add header/footer | Set document headers and footers |
| Create list | Insert bulleted or numbered lists |
| Add comments | Add comments or suggestions to the document |
| Manage permissions | Share document with specific users or set view-only access |
Tips
Use documents.readonly with drive.readonly when you only need to read or report on documents—this minimizes risk if credentials are compromised.
Construct a template with named ranges or placeholder text, then use batch updates to customize each copy with data from a spreadsheet or database for mail merge and bulk document generation.
Validate that images and external references are accessible before inserting them; a broken image URL in a generated document creates a poor user experience.
Stick to the document's existing named styles rather than inline formatting when applying styles—this keeps the document maintainable and respects any company style guides already applied.
Test your document automation with a test folder first, and require manual review before auto-sharing generated documents with external parties.
Cequence AI Gateway