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This guide gets you from nothing to a working setup where Claude answers questions about Swiss norms with exact citations. You’ll need Claude Code or Claude Desktop installed, and Node.js version 20 or newer.
1

Create a free Stratta account

Go to stratta.ch and sign up with email/password (or Google). Verify your email when prompted.A personal workspace is created automatically — this is where your norms and API keys live.
2

Generate an API key

Open stratta.ch/api-keys, click Create API key, give it a memorable name, and copy the key.
The key (it starts with sk_strt_) is shown once. Copy it now and keep it secret — it grants access to your workspace. You can revoke it anytime from the same page.
3

Add the Stratta MCP server to Claude

In Claude Code, run:
claude mcp add stratta -- npx -y @stratta/mcp
No key is needed up front. On the first call, Claude Code prompts you to paste your API key; it’s validated and saved to ~/.stratta/config.json, so you only do this once.Using Claude Desktop instead? See Install in Claude Desktop.
4

Ask your first question

Start a conversation in Claude and try:
Using SIA 261, what are the variable loads for an office floor,
and how do I combine them at ULS? Cite the exact sections.
Claude calls the Stratta tools, navigates the norm, and answers with citations like [SIA 261, 8.2, p. 44].
If the answer includes a section path and page number you can find in the printed norm, you’re set up correctly.

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What just happened

Claude used the Stratta MCP server — a small program that exposes your norms to Claude as a set of tools. When you asked a question, Claude:
  1. Listed the norms available in your workspace.
  2. Opened the table of contents and drilled into the relevant chapter.
  3. Read the section content and followed cross-references to other norms.
  4. Answered with a citation pointing to a section it actually opened.
Read How it works for the full picture.

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Next steps

Ask better questions

Prompt patterns that get the most out of Stratta.

Add your own norm

Ingest a norm you’re licensed for into your workspace.

Invite your team

Share a workspace and its norms with colleagues.

MCP Reference

Every tool, parameter, and command.