export_layout · QGIS MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What export_layout does on QGIS MCP

AI agents use export_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 export_layout needs a policy

The export_layout tool writes data (the layout) to a file, which is a reversible operation (files can be deleted or overwritten). This is a create/output action with side effects, but not destructive since exports do not modify existing data structures and can be undone.

From the tool's definition Tool exports a print layout to file, creating a new file artifact on the filesystem.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

export_layout Rate-limited

export_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": {
    "export_layout": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "export_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 export_layout

What does the export_layout tool do? +

Export a print layout to file. format:. 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 export_layout? +

Register the QGIS MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for export_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 export_layout? +

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

Can I rate-limit export_layout? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the export_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 export_layout completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for export_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 export_layout? +

export_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.