apply_master_spread

THE RISK

Medium Risk

Why apply_master_spread needs a policy

The tool modifies InDesign document structure by applying a master spread (a design template) to pages. This is a Write operation because it creates or modifies document data reversibly—the master spread can be changed or removed. It does not execute arbitrary code, delete content irreversibly, or trigger financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'apply_master_spread' and description 'Apply a master spread to pages' indicate modification of page formatting and layout properties. This is a reversible change to document design elements.

Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access apply_master_spread gives an agent:

POLICY

How to control apply_master_spread

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and InDesign MCP Server, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for apply_master_spread:

policy.json

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

apply_master_spread 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.

Create a free account and register InDesign MCP Server — nothing to install.
Add this policy — paste it, or build it visually.
Point your MCP client (Claude, Cursor, anything) at your gateway URL.

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Free to start. No card required.

EXPLORE

Related tools and policies

More InDesign MCP Server tools

Destructive cleanup_document Clean up document (remove unused elements) Destructive clear_session Clear all session data including page dimensions and document information Destructive delete_all_page_layout_snapshots Delete all layout snapshots for a page Destructive delete_master_spread Delete a master spread Destructive delete_page Delete a page from the document Destructive delete_page_item Delete a page item Destructive delete_page_layout_snapshot Delete the layout snapshot for a page Destructive delete_spread Delete a spread

All 135 InDesign MCP Server tools →

Write tools on other servers

M-Team MCP Server download_torrent YouTube MCP Server generate_video_title Android Forensics ADB MCP Server combine_reports 0xarchive web3_signup

Go deeper

The MCP Attack Database → Documented attack patterns against MCP deployments — and the policies that stop them.
Argument validation → Checking tool call arguments against schema and policy before they run.
Scoped token → Per-person credentials that grant a defined subset of servers and tools.
Rate Limiting MCP Tool Calls: A Practical Guide →
MCP Security: Why Prompt Guardrails Aren't Enough →

FAQ

Questions about apply_master_spread

What does the apply_master_spread tool do? +

Apply a master spread to pages. It is categorised as a Write tool in the InDesign MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on apply_master_spread? +

Register the InDesign MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for apply_master_spread: 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 InDesign MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is apply_master_spread? +

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

Can I rate-limit apply_master_spread? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the apply_master_spread 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 apply_master_spread completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for apply_master_spread. 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 apply_master_spread? +

apply_master_spread is provided by the InDesign MCP Server MCP server (zachshallbetter/indesign-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policy on every InDesign MCP Server tool call.

Start from InDesign MCP Server, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.

CHECK YOUR STACK →