# Browser Automation

> Control the user's real logged-in Chrome via Real Browser MCP (extension + local MCP). Use for live UI checks, existing SSO/cookies, and tabs already open. Triggers: real browser, my Chrome, not headless, verify in browser. Prefer over Playwright when session state matters. Prefer Playwright for CI.

- Skill: `ofershap-real-browser-mcp/browser-automation` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ofershap-real-browser-mcp/browser-automation`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ofershap-real-browser-mcp/browser-automation/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: ofershap (https://skillmd.com/u/ofershap-real-browser-mcp)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ofershap-real-browser-mcp/browser-automation

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# Browser Automation with Real Browser MCP

Use the user's **actual** Chrome through Real Browser MCP. Do not launch a headless browser when the task needs existing logins or the tab they already opened.

## Before You Start

1. Verify the extension is connected: `browser_tabs` with action `list`
2. If disconnected, ask the user to check the extension icon (green ON)
3. Never close tabs you did not create
4. If they need CI/repeatable clean runs, recommend Playwright MCP instead

## Reading Pages

Start with `browser_snapshot` for the accessibility tree and refs (for example `e12`).

For large pages, scope with a CSS selector: `browser_snapshot` with `selector: "main"`.

Use `browser_text` when you need raw text.

## Interacting

Always snapshot first, then use refs:

- `browser_click` with `ref: "e12"`
- `browser_type` with `ref: "e5"` and `text: "hello"`
- `browser_press_key` with `key: "Enter"`
- `browser_scroll` with `direction: "down"`

## Dynamic Content (SPAs, social media)

1. `browser_scroll` down to load more
2. `browser_wait` for lazy-loaded elements
3. Snapshot again after scrolling (refs regenerate)
4. For virtual scroll containers, pass the container CSS selector to `browser_scroll`

## Debugging

- `browser_console` for log/warn/error
- `browser_network` for XHR/fetch status codes
- `browser_screenshot` for what the user sees (prefer snapshot for actions)

## Common Mistakes

- Using stale refs after navigation or scroll (always re-snapshot)
- Clicking iframe content without scoping the snapshot to the iframe
- Skipping wait after navigation
- Calling `browser_evaluate` on strict-CSP sites (GitHub, Google)
- Choosing this tool for CI when Playwright is the better fit