> SpecStream is the live web data engine for teams and agents. This is the Markdown copy of https://specstream.ai/docs/integrations/github-copilot-cli. Every page, with what SpecStream does and costs: https://specstream.ai/llms.txt

# GitHub Copilot CLI

Add SpecStream to GitHub Copilot CLI with two commands, and Copilot can search the live web, read whole pages and build lists of records from your terminal, with the price shown before any list runs. The plugin brings SpecStream's MCP server and seven skills.

[SpecStream for GitHub Copilot CLICoding agents](https://specstream.ai/integrations/github-copilot-cli.md)

## What you need

-   GitHub Copilot CLI, installed and signed in with `copilot login`.
-   A SpecStream account. New accounts get $10 of credit, no card. [Create one](https://specstream.ai/signup?utm_source=github-copilot-cli).

1.  1

    ## 1. Add the SpecStream marketplace

    Run this in a terminal. Copilot CLI reads the marketplace file in the [specstream/specstream-tools (opens in a new tab)](https://github.com/specstream/specstream-tools) repository and registers it under its own name, `specstream`. The terminal prints `Marketplace "specstream" added successfully.`

    In a Copilot session, `/plugin marketplace add specstream/specstream-tools` does the same.

    Terminal

    ```bash
    copilot plugin marketplace add specstream/specstream-tools
    ```

2.  2

    ## 2. Install the plugin

    Install the `specstream` plugin from the `specstream` marketplace. The terminal prints `Plugin "specstream" installed successfully. Installed 7 skills.` In a session, the command is `/plugin install specstream@specstream`.

    Terminal

    ```bash
    copilot plugin install specstream@specstream
    ```

3.  3

    ## 3. Check the server

    Run `copilot mcp get specstream`. It shows `Type: http`, `URL: https://api.specstream.ai/mcp`, `Tools: * (all)` and `Source: Plugin`. `copilot mcp list` lists it under **Plugin servers**.

    Terminal

    ```bash
    copilot mcp get specstream
    ```

4.  4

    ## 4. Sign in to SpecStream

    Start a session with `copilot` and enter the command below. Copilot opens your browser at SpecStream's sign in. Sign in, or create an account, and approve the access Copilot asks for. Copilot registers itself with SpecStream, so there is no client ID and no key to paste.

    Enter `/mcp` to see SpecStream with its status. If it ever shows `needs-auth`, run the same command again.

    In a Copilot session

    ```text
    /mcp auth specstream
    ```

5.  5

    ## 5. Ask Copilot

    Ask for something current and name SpecStream. Copilot calls `search_web` for a quick answer and `read_pages` for the full text of the pages it found, and asks your permission before each tool runs unless you allowed it:

    In a Copilot session

    ```text
    Use SpecStream to find the current stable release of Node.js and read its release notes.
    ```

## What Copilot gets

The plugin adds SpecStream's server at `https://api.specstream.ai/mcp` and these tools:

-   `search_web` answers a question from the live web, with up to 10 results for $5 per 1,000 searches. A search that returns nothing costs nothing.
-   `read_pages` returns the main text of up to 20 pages or documents (PDF, Word, Excel) in one call, at $0.80 per 1,000 pages. A page that gives no text is not charged.
-   Deep Search builds a list from a request in plain words. `compile` reads the request, `quote_capacity_work` prices it for free, and `authorize_capacity_work` starts it only after you approve the maximum. `get_find` and `list_find_rows` read the rows. Source URL and read time on every value.

## The seven skills

The plugin also installs skills that tell Copilot when to use each tool. `copilot skill list` shows them under the plugin: `search-web`, `extract-pages`, `compile`, `review-work`, `approve-work`, `continue-work` and `schedules`. `schedules` keeps a list up to date, hourly to yearly, within a limit per run and per month.

## Approvals in Copilot CLI

Copilot asks before it runs a tool. `--allow-tool` and `--deny-tool` take a server's tools as `specstream(TOOL)`, and a deny rule always wins over an allow rule. To let the free calls run without a prompt and keep paid Deep Search work off in a session, start Copilot like this:

SpecStream adds its own gate: nothing paid in Deep Search starts until you approve the price it quotes. Searches and page reads are charged per call, with no quote.

## Or use an API key

Use a key on a machine with no browser, in CI, or wherever a key with its own spending limit fits better. In the SpecStream workspace, open [API keys](https://specstream.ai/workspace/keys?utm_source=github-copilot-cli), click **New key**, choose **Call the APIs** and set a **Total spending limit**.

Add the server with the key in place of the plugin, not beside it: a plugin's server takes precedence over a server of the same name in `~/.copilot/mcp-config.json`. Run `copilot plugin uninstall specstream` first if you installed it, then:

## If something doesn't work

| What you see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| `copilot: command not found` | Install Copilot CLI and sign in with `copilot login`, then run the marketplace command again. |
| SpecStream shows `needs-auth` in `/mcp` | Run `/mcp auth specstream` and sign in again in the browser. |
| The install says the plugin is not found | Run `copilot plugin marketplace list` and check that `specstream` is there. If not, add the marketplace again. |
| A Deep Search call returns `402` | The balance is too low for the approved maximum. Add balance in your SpecStream workspace. |
| Your API key setup has no effect | The plugin is still installed and its server wins. Run `copilot plugin uninstall specstream`. |

## Update and remove

`copilot plugin update specstream` brings the plugin to its newest version. `copilot plugin uninstall specstream` removes the plugin with its skills and server, and `copilot plugin marketplace remove specstream` removes the marketplace. Rows already delivered stay in your account. Every tool on the server is described in the [MCP guide](https://specstream.ai/docs/mcp.md), and [support@specstream.ai](mailto:support@specstream.ai) answers if a step here doesn't match what you see.

## More

[SpecStream for GitHub Copilot CLI](https://specstream.ai/integrations/github-copilot-cli.md) covers what it does in GitHub Copilot CLI on one page. Every other tool has its guide in [Connect your tools](https://specstream.ai/docs/integrations.md). You see the most a request can cost before it starts, and the matches are paid from your balance. [Billing](https://specstream.ai/docs/billing.md) has the details. For help, email [support@specstream.ai](mailto:support@specstream.ai).