create_layout · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_layout does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use create_layout to create or update resources in QGIS MCP — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your QGIS MCP environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_layout needs a policy

Creating a print layout is a write operation that adds a new object to the project state. While reversible (can be deleted), it modifies project structure and could clutter or interfere with existing layouts if called repeatedly or unexpectedly. The blast radius is moderate—not as severe as destructive operations, but more consequential than simple reads.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_layout' and description 'Create a new print layout' indicate creation of a new data structure (a print layout) within a QGIS project, which is reversible data modification.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_layout Rate-limited

create_layout stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "create_layout": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_layout_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches QGIS MCP, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_layout

What does the create_layout tool do? +

Create a new print layout. It is categorised as a Write tool in the QGIS MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on create_layout? +

Register the QGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_layout: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches QGIS MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_layout? +

create_layout is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit create_layout? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_layout rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block create_layout completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_layout. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides create_layout? +

create_layout is provided by the QGIS MCP server (nkarasiak/qgis-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.