Adds an existing project to the active workspace.
AI agents use add_project_to_workspace to create or update resources in Xcode — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Xcode environment.
This tool modifies the workspace structure by adding a project, which is a reversible write operation. It does not delete data (ruling out Destructive), does not execute arbitrary code (ruling out Execute), and does not involve financial transactions.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'add_project_to_workspace' and description 'Adds an existing project to the active workspace' indicate creation/modification of workspace configuration by adding a project reference.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access add_project_to_workspace gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Xcode, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for add_project_to_workspace:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"add_project_to_workspace": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "add_project_to_workspace_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 30,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}add_project_to_workspace 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.
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Adds an existing project to the active workspace. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Xcode MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Xcode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for add_project_to_workspace: 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 Xcode. Nothing to install.
add_project_to_workspace is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the add_project_to_workspace 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for add_project_to_workspace. 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.
add_project_to_workspace is provided by the Xcode MCP server (xcode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 69 Xcode tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
Free to start. No card required.
69 Xcode tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 42,500+ MCP servers.