# Protobuf Formatter

> Use this tool when you need to standardize and format Protocol Buffer (.proto) files with consistent indentation. It solves the problem of maintaining clean and readable protobuf definitions by parsing and reformating files according to standardized conventions. The tool accepts a file path as input and outputs a formatted .proto file, making it ideal for integration with code editors to streamline development workflows.

Canonical page: https://skillsregistry.net/skills/emicklei-protobuf-formatter  
JSON: https://api.skillsregistry.net/v1/skills/emicklei-protobuf-formatter

## Description

Protofmt-mcp is an MCP server that formats Protocol Buffer (.proto) files according to standardized conventions. Developed by Ernest Micklei, it leverages the proto and proto-contrib packages to parse and reformat protobuf files with consistent indentation (2 spaces). The server exposes a single tool that accepts a file path parameter, reads the specified .proto file, formats its content, and writes it back to the original location. Designed for integration with code editors like Visual Studio Code, it enables developers to maintain clean, consistently formatted protobuf definitions with minimal configuration.

## Trust

- **Trust score (0–1):** 0.98
- **Verification tier:** verified
- **Last scanned:** 2026-09-28

## Facts

- **Version:** 1.0.0
- **Skill type:** atomic
- **Execution layer:** mcp-remote
- **Runtime environment:** api
- **Category:** maps-location
- **Updated:** 2026-09-28

## Source

- **Source listing:** [PulseMCP](https://www.pulsemcp.com/servers/emicklei-protobuf-formatter)
- **Repository:** <https://github.com/emicklei/protofmt-mcp>

## Use it

Resolve this record through the SkillsRegistry MCP server (no auth, read-only):

```
claude mcp add --transport http --scope user skillsregistry https://api.skillsregistry.net/mcp
```

```json
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "get_skill",
    "arguments": {
      "slug": "emicklei-protobuf-formatter"
    }
  }
}
```

REST: `GET https://api.skillsregistry.net/v1/skills/emicklei-protobuf-formatter` · pull for local use: `GET https://api.skillsregistry.net/v1/skills/emicklei-protobuf-formatter/pull`

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SkillsRegistry indexes agent skills from public registries and GitHub. Skills we have analysed are scanned with Circle-IR and scored on six dimensions; each listing states its scan coverage. More: https://skillsregistry.net/llms.txt