Claude Browser — Chrome Extension Automation
Personal browser automation using Claude's Chrome extension MCP tools. Operates in the user's actual browser session with full access to logged-in state, cookies, and extensions.
When to Apply
Positive Triggers
- Personal browser automation (logged-in sessions)
- Form filling in authenticated web apps
- Reading content from pages requiring login
- Interactive demonstrations and walkthroughs
- GIF recording of browser workflows
- Tab management and multi-page navigation
Negative Triggers (Do NOT Apply)
- CI/CD pipeline testing (use
playwright-browser skill) - Parallel test execution (Chrome extension is single-session)
- Headless browser operations
- Performance/load testing
Core Principles
1. Single-session — one browser, one user, one context at a time 2. User's actual browser — leverages existing login state and cookies 3. Personal context — for tasks that require the user's authenticated session 4. Always capture evidence — use gif_creator or upload_image for visual records 5. Tab-aware — always call tabs_context_mcp at session start
Navigation + Reading
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
navigate | Navigate to URL in current tab |
read_page | Read full page content (structured) |
get_page_text | Get plain text content |
find | Search for text/elements on page |
Interaction
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
form_input | Fill form fields |
computer | Mouse/keyboard simulation |
javascript_tool | Execute JavaScript in page |
Tab Management
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
tabs_context_mcp | Get current tab info (CALL FIRST) |
tabs_create_mcp | Open new tab |
resize_window | Resize browser window |
switch_browser | Switch between browser profiles |
Visual Capture
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
gif_creator | Record multi-step interaction as GIF |
upload_image | Capture and upload screenshot |
Console + Network
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
read_console_messages | Read browser console (use pattern param to filter) |
read_network_requests | Inspect network activity |
Shortcuts
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
shortcuts_list | List available keyboard shortcuts |
shortcuts_execute | Execute a keyboard shortcut |
Plan Management
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
update_plan | Update task plan visible in Chrome extension |
Session Startup Protocol
1. Call tabs_context_mcp to discover current tabs 2. Only reuse a tab if the user explicitly asks to work with it 3. Otherwise create a new tab with tabs_create_mcp 4. If tab errors occur, call tabs_context_mcp to refresh
Limitations
- Single session: Cannot run parallel browser instances
- Requires `--chrome` flag: Claude Code must be launched with Chrome integration
- Not CI-suitable: Requires a visible browser with user interaction
- Dialog risk: Avoid triggering
alert(), confirm(), prompt() — they block the extension - Tab ID scope: Never reuse tab IDs from a previous session
GIF Recording Best Practices
- Capture extra frames before and after actions for smooth playback
- Name files descriptively:
login_flow.gif, form_submission.gif - Record the full workflow, not just the end state
Anti-Patterns
- Using Claude Chrome for CI/CD testing — use Playwright instead
- Triggering JavaScript alerts — they block all further commands
- Reusing stale tab IDs from prior sessions
- Running without calling
tabs_context_mcp first - Attempting parallel operations in a single-session tool
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