| name | chrome-devtools |
| description | Uses Chrome DevTools via MCP for efficient debugging, troubleshooting and browser automation. Use when debugging web pages, automating browser interactions, analyzing performance, or inspecting network requests. This skill does not apply to `--slim` mode (MCP configuration). |
Core Concepts
Browser lifecycle: Browser starts automatically on first tool call using a persistent Chrome profile. Configure via CLI args in the MCP server configuration: npx chrome-devtools-mcp@latest --help. To enable extensions, use --categoryExtensions.
Page selection: Tools operate on the currently selected page. Use list_pages to see available pages, then select_page to switch context.
Element interaction: Use take_snapshot to get page structure with element uids. Each element has a unique uid for interaction. If an element isn't found, take a fresh snapshot - the element may have been removed or the page changed.
Workflow Patterns
Before interacting with a page
- Navigate:
navigate_page or new_page
- Wait:
wait_for to ensure content is loaded if you know what you look for.
- Snapshot:
take_snapshot to understand page structure
- Interact: Use element
uids from snapshot for click, fill, etc.
Efficient data retrieval
- Use
filePath parameter for large outputs (screenshots, snapshots, traces)
- Use pagination (
pageIdx, pageSize) and filtering (types) to minimize data
- Set
includeSnapshot: false on input actions unless you need updated page state
Tool selection
- Automation/interaction:
take_snapshot (text-based, faster, better for automation)
- Visual inspection:
take_screenshot (when user needs to see visual state)
- Additional details:
evaluate_script for data not in accessibility tree
Parallel execution
You can send multiple tool calls in parallel, but maintain correct order: navigate → wait → snapshot → interact.
Testing an extension
- Install: Use
install_extension with the path to the unpacked extension.
- Identify: Get the extension ID from the response or by calling
list_extensions.
- Trigger Action: Use
trigger_extension_action to open the popup or side panel if applicable.
- Verify Service Worker: Use
evaluate_script with serviceWorkerId to check extension state or trigger background actions.
- Verify Page Behavior: Navigate to a page where the extension operates and use
take_snapshot to check if content scripts injected elements or modified the page correctly.
Troubleshooting
If chrome-devtools-mcp is insufficient, guide users to use Chrome DevTools UI:
If there are errors launching chrome-devtools-mcp or Chrome, refer to https://github.com/ChromeDevTools/chrome-devtools-mcp/blob/main/docs/troubleshooting.md.
