What is Playwriter
Playwriter is a tool that lets AI agents control your real Chrome browser using Playwright. It works from an agent, CLI, or MCP server, and preserves your existing logins, cookies, and extensions. It does not use headless Chrome.
How to use Playwriter
- Install the Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Install the CLI.
- Install the skill for agents.
- Run your first commands.
For MCP usage, configure the MCP server. Environment variables such as PLAYWRITER_AUTO_ENABLE are available. A direct CDP connection can be used without the extension. Remote agents in devcontainers, VMs, or over SSH are supported.
Features of Playwriter
- Control your real Chrome browser with Playwright from an agent, CLI, or MCP server.
- Keep logins, cookies, and extensions.
- No headless Chrome.
- Accessibility snapshots for page content.
- Search and diff capabilities.
- Visual labels for elements.
- Sessions with state persistence and isolated state.
- Dedicated pages and tab groups per session.
- Debugger and editor integration.
- Network interception.
- Screen recording.
- Remote access via tunnel or LAN.
- Skill recorder.
- Direct CDP connection option.
- Headless mode alternative.
Use Cases of Playwriter
- Let AI agents control your real Chrome browser for automation tasks.
- Use from an agent, CLI, or MCP server.
- Maintain existing logins, cookies, and extensions while automating.
- Remote access to browsers in devcontainers, VMs, or over SSH.
- Record skills for later replay.
- Intercept network requests and record screens.
Pricing
Playwriter is available as a Chrome extension with 20k+ users and a 4.7 rating. A Cloud Login option is available. No specific pricing plans or tiers are listed.
FAQ
Does Playwriter use headless Chrome?
No, it controls your real Chrome browser.
Can I keep my existing logins and extensions?
Yes, Playwriter preserves logins, cookies, and extensions.
What ways can I use Playwriter?
From an agent, CLI, or MCP server.
Is there a direct CDP option?
Yes, a direct CDP connection is available without the extension.
Can I use Playwriter remotely?
Yes, remote access is supported via tunnel or LAN, and for remote agents in devcontainers, VMs, or over SSH.
