# Connect VS Code + GitHub Copilot to HighLevel (GHL): Setup, Business Dashboard & App Integrations

> VS Code supports MCP servers in a project mcp.json, and its input variables prompt for your HighLevel token and store it securely, so nothing sensitive lands in the repo.

Last verified: October 25, 2026 · Source page: https://ghlfounders.com/agents/vscode-copilot

## Key facts
| Fact | VS Code + GitHub Copilot |
| --- | --- |
| Maker | Microsoft / GitHub |
| Type | Coding & builder agents |
| Launched | Generally available |
| Access & price | GitHub Copilot plans |
| Where it lives | Visual Studio Code |
| Route to HighLevel | HighLevel MCP |
| Always on | No |
| Approval controls | Agent mode confirms tool calls |
| Scheduling | No |
| Runs on | Your computer |
| Official GHL MCP tools | Yes (direct) |

## How VS Code + GitHub Copilot connects to HighLevel
- **HighLevel MCP:** Connects straight to HighLevel's official MCP server with a Private Integration Token kept on your machine or server.

## Set up VS Code + GitHub Copilot with HighLevel in 3 steps
1. Create .vscode/mcp.json in your project.
2. Paste the snippet; VS Code prompts for the token on first use.
3. Open Copilot Chat in Agent mode and enable the HighLevel tools.

.vscode/mcp.json:

```
// .vscode/mcp.json — VS Code prompts for the token and stores it securely
{
  "inputs": [
    { "id": "ghl_pit", "type": "promptString", "description": "HighLevel PIT", "password": true },
    { "id": "ghl_loc", "type": "promptString", "description": "Location ID" }
  ],
  "servers": {
    "highlevel": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://services.leadconnectorhq.com/mcp/",
      "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer ${input:ghl_pit}", "locationId": "${input:ghl_loc}" }
    }
  }
}
```

## Best HighLevel jobs for VS Code + GitHub Copilot
- Shared team config without sharing tokens
- Building HighLevel apps and webhooks

## Use VS Code + GitHub Copilot as your HighLevel business dashboard
Build shared dashboard and reporting code as a team, with tokens kept out of the repo.

## Connect HighLevel to your other business apps with VS Code + GitHub Copilot
Business app reach: Any MCP server or API

| App category | How VS Code + GitHub Copilot reaches it |
| --- | --- |
| Any MCP server | Add more servers to .vscode/mcp.json |
| GitHub | Native repository and Actions context |


## Permissions to grant
- contacts.readonly
- locations.readonly

## Limits and watch-outs
- Not always-on.

## FAQ
### Is it safe to commit .vscode/mcp.json?
Yes with input variables: the file holds prompts, and VS Code stores the token securely on each machine.

### Can VS Code + GitHub Copilot connect HighLevel to Gmail, Slack, QuickBooks and my other apps?
Yes, within its reach: Any MCP server or API. Any MCP server: Add more servers to .vscode/mcp.json. GitHub: Native repository and Actions context.

### Can VS Code + GitHub Copilot power a HighLevel business dashboard?
Build shared dashboard and reporting code as a team, with tokens kept out of the repo.

## Sources
- [How to Setup and Use the HighLevel MCP Server](https://help.gohighlevel.com/support/solutions/articles/155000005741)
- [HighLevel MCP developer docs](https://marketplace.gohighlevel.com/docs/other/mcp)