Use Curio with Gemini
Gemini can generate UI and decks — but on its own it defaults to the same generic look as every other AI. Connect Curio over MCP and it can apply any of 2543 real design styles instead, consistently, with no design spec to write by hand.
What this gives Gemini
Curio runs a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. Once it is connected, Gemini gains tools to search the library, read a style's metadata, and fetch the full design spec — colors, typography, spacing, components, and rules — for whatever you are building.
It is sign-in based: you connect once with OAuth, no API keys to manage, and your AI asks you before spending a credit. The same connection works in Gemini, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Codex, and other MCP clients.
Connect over MCP
-
1
Add the Curio MCP server
In Gemini, add an MCP server with the URL https://mcp.designbycurio.com/mcp — through its extensions or MCP settings. The developer docs show the exact place for your Gemini version.
-
2
Sign in with OAuth
Gemini opens the sign-in flow in your browser. Sign in with email, Google, or GitHub and approve the connection. Connecting and browsing are free; unlocking a style costs 1 credit, once, and your AI asks you first.
-
3
Find a style
Ask Gemini to search Curio — for example, "search Curio for a warm editorial style" — or name one directly, like Bauhaus or Stripe. It uses search_styles and get_style to pick a match.
-
4
Design in that style
Tell Gemini to build in the chosen style. It fetches the full spec with get_style_spec and generates your slides, page, or component using the style's exact tokens and rules.
What you get
Consistent output: every artifact Gemini generates holds the same look, because it works from one authoritative spec instead of re-guessing each time.
Real, distinct styles: hundreds of movements, brands, and traditions — not the generic default — so your work stops looking AI-generated.
No file wrangling: you never hand-write or hunt for a DESIGN.md; Gemini fetches it live over MCP.
Example prompts
Find a warm editorial style in Curio and make a 6-slide deck introducing our product in it.
Use a Bauhaus style from Curio to design a landing page for this app.
FAQ
Do I need an API key?
No. Curio's MCP server uses OAuth — you sign in once in the browser and Gemini stays connected. There are no keys to copy or rotate.
Does fetching a style cost anything?
Only the first time. Unlocking a style costs 1 credit, once — the same unlock as on the website — and your AI asks you before spending it. After that, fetching that style is free, and searching and reading introductions are always free.
Does this work in other tools too?
Yes. The same MCP endpoint works in Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Codex, ChatGPT, and other MCP-capable clients. See the developer docs for per-client setup.