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BrowserSkill lets a shell-capable AI agent control a browser through its command-line tool, daemon, and browser extension. Tasks run in a separate, visible Agent Window; using an already-open tab is a separate, explicit borrow action, and that tab is returned when the task ends. BrowserSkill supplies the browser connection—not the AI model or agent.
What BrowserSkill connects—and what it does not
The agent calls the bsk command through its shell. The CLI communicates with the BrowserSkill daemon, which communicates with the browser extension; the extension carries out browser work in an Agent Window. The project documentation describes Chrome and Microsoft Edge as supported browsers. Its README lists Chrome and Edge based on Chromium 125 or later; other Chromium browsers may work, but compatibility is not guaranteed. The README also lists macOS, Linux, and Windows x64 for the CLI and daemon. These are project-stated compatibility details, not independent test results. See the BrowserSkill project README.
BrowserSkill is not an AI model and does not choose which agent or model you use. The agent needs to be able to run shell commands and to have the BrowserSkill skill or an appropriate integration available in its harness. A working browser connection does not, by itself, mean the agent has discovered or loaded that skill.
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How to set up BrowserSkill locally
Local mode is the straightforward option when the agent and the browser are on the same computer. The main pieces are the CLI and daemon, the extension installed in the browser profile you intend to use, and the agent-side skill or integration.
- Install the CLI and daemon. Follow the current platform-specific instructions in the project README.
- Add the extension to Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Use the browser profile you want BrowserSkill to connect to. Keep in mind that profile choice affects which signed-in sessions may be available to browser tasks.
- Install the agent skill or integration. Follow the agent installation guide for your agent harness. The agent must be able to discover and use the skill, not merely run the CLI.
- Check the connection. Run
bsk doctoras directed by the installation guide and confirm that the extension is connected. - Verify agent-side discovery and try a small task. Check that your harness has loaded the BrowserSkill skill, then test a low-risk browser action in the visible Agent Window. The installation guide notes that
bsk doctoralone does not verify skill discovery.
For current commands and integration-specific details, consult the official agent installation guide; installation paths can vary by harness.
Can an agent use your existing Chrome session?
Yes, with an important distinction: BrowserSkill normally performs tasks in a separate, visible Agent Window. It does not silently take over whichever tab you happen to be using. An existing user tab can be borrowed only through the documented explicit flow, subject to browser settings; the tab is returned when the task ends. The extension also has access rules for borrowed tabs and newly opened tabs, so do not assume that a page relationship alone grants permission. The README and remote-connection guide describe these controls.
Because the extension works with the selected browser profile, a task may be able to navigate using that profile’s signed-in sessions. Treat browser access accordingly: use a profile and session appropriate to the task, and keep the Agent Window visible so you can monitor what the agent does.
Local versus remote BrowserSkill
Remote mode is designed for an agent, CLI, and daemon running on a server while the browser extension stays on your computer. The extension initiates an outbound connection, so the browser computer does not need an inbound port opened. The documented setup uses authenticated WebSocket Secure (WSS) connections and device pairing. The differences matter most for where credentials remain, the trust you grant, and file transfer.
| Consideration | Local mode | Remote mode |
|---|---|---|
| Where the agent runs | On the same computer as the browser. | On a server with the CLI and daemon. |
| Where the browser runs | On that computer. | On your computer, with the extension connecting to the server. |
| Connection setup | Local CLI/daemon and extension connection. | Authenticated WSS connection and device pairing; the browser computer initiates the outbound connection. |
| Trust granted | Browser tasks operate through the local setup and its configured permissions. | The paired server can create Agent Windows and navigate using signed-in sessions in the paired browser profile. Pair only with a server you trust. |
| File upload and download | Documented as supported. | Not supported in the documented version. |
Remote pairing is broad browser authorization, not a restricted website account or a sandbox limited to one site. The remote guide describes renewing or revoking grants. Review its pairing and access guidance before connecting a browser profile with sensitive accounts.
Quick Recap
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What to check before relying on it
- Browser support: the documented targets are Chrome and Microsoft Edge; other Chromium browsers are not guaranteed.
- Agent integration: confirm that your specific harness has discovered the skill. A successful connection check only confirms part of the setup.
- Visibility and tab access: expect work in a visible Agent Window; borrowing a user tab is explicit and governed by the documented access controls.
- Remote trust: pairing gives the server meaningful access through the paired profile’s sessions. Choose a server you trust and revoke or renew grants as appropriate.
- File transfer: local mode documents upload and download; remote mode does not support them in the documented version.
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