To use Chrome DevTools with Selenium 4, send commands through the Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) API exposed by your Selenium language binding. In Python, the entry point is driver.execute_cdp_cmd(command, arguments); in Java, Selenium documents HasCdp.executeCdpCommand. This is programmatic protocol access, not a way to open and control the interactive DevTools panel with WebDriver.
Choose CDP for commands and BiDi for events
CDP is useful when a test needs a browser capability that ordinary WebDriver commands do not expose directly. Its basic Selenium interface is command-and-response: send a named protocol command with its arguments and receive a response. Selenium’s example uses the Network.setCookie command. See Selenium’s Chrome DevTools Protocol documentation.
If the task is to receive a stream of browser events—such as console messages or network activity—consider Selenium WebDriver BiDi instead. Selenium describes BiDi as its W3C standards-based, cross-browser path for bidirectional communication. It uses a WebSocket connection for event-oriented features. See Selenium’s WebDriver BiDi guide.
Run a CDP command in Selenium Python
Selenium’s Python WebDriver API documents execute_cdp_cmd(cmd, cmd_args). It executes the named command and returns its JSON response. The following example enables the Network domain for the current Chrome session and prints the response:
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
from selenium import webdriver
driver = webdriver.Chrome()
try:
result = driver.execute_cdp_cmd("Network.enable", {})
print(result)
finally:
driver.quit()Remove the leading space before driver = and subsequent indented lines if copying this directly: Python requires the statements inside try and finally to be indented one level, as shown below in a conventional runnable layout:
from selenium import webdriver
driver = webdriver.Chrome()
try:
result = driver.execute_cdp_cmd("Network.enable", {})
print(result)
finally:
driver.quit()The command name is the protocol domain plus command, and the second argument is a dictionary of that command’s parameters. For a command that needs parameters, look up the relevant domain and supply the exact names and types it specifies; an empty dictionary is appropriate only for commands that take no arguments. Check the current Selenium Python WebDriver API reference for the binding’s method signature.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use the Java CDP API
Selenium’s Java example casts the driver to HasCdp and invokes executeCdpCommand with a command name and a map of arguments. The same protocol command-and-parameters approach applies, but Python method syntax should not be copied into Java or vice versa. Follow the documentation for the language binding you use and the specific CDP command.
For either language, identify the protocol domain, command, and required parameters before calling it. Selenium notes that CDP commands require knowing which domains to enable and the exact parameter names and types; not every command is necessarily available in every binding or browser/version combination.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check Chrome and Selenium compatibility
CDP is version-sensitive. Selenium warns: “This is not designed for testing, nor to have a stable API, so functionality is highly dependent on the version of the browser.” That warning matters when Chrome updates: a command or generated API that worked with one browser version may change with another. Check Selenium’s CDP compatibility guidance and the current reference for your language binding when upgrading.
Selenium’s documentation describes support for the three most recent Chrome versions at a given time; this is a moving window, not a fixed list. For historical context only, Selenium’s 4.40 release announcement dated January 18, 2026 listed Chrome DevTools versions 144, 143, and 142 for that release. Do not treat those version numbers as a current compatibility promise; see the Selenium 4.40 announcement and current documentation.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Use WebDriver BiDi for logging and network events
When a test needs to react to events rather than issue a single command and read its response, BiDi is the more fitting interface. Selenium’s documentation demonstrates logging handlers and describes network request handlers. Its BiDi guidance also explains enabling the WebSocket connection through browser options. Consult the BiDi logging guide and the Python BiDi network API reference for binding-specific details. BiDi implementation and browser support continue to grow, so verify the feature support relevant to the browser and Selenium version in use.
Common problems and fixes
- Unknown command or invalid parameters: confirm the domain and command spelling, enable any required domain, and check the command’s required argument names and types against the protocol details for the browser version.
- Method missing in the chosen language: do not assume all Selenium 4 bindings expose identical APIs. Check that binding’s current reference; Python’s documented method is
execute_cdp_cmd, while Selenium’s Java example usesHasCdp.executeCdpCommand. - Code stops working after a Chrome update: check the Chrome/Selenium compatibility window and current CDP documentation. CDP is explicitly version-dependent, so avoid treating a command as a durable cross-version contract.
- Need ongoing console or network notifications: a command-response call is not an event stream. Review Selenium BiDi’s logging or network APIs and its WebSocket setup instead.
- Expecting to automate the visible DevTools panel: CDP commands operate through the protocol; this method does not mean Selenium is clicking through the interactive DevTools interface.
Or skip the browser setup
If the goal is a website screenshot rather than browser automation, ScreenshotNeo can return a screenshot with one GET request; its API documentation describes the available options.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpScreenshotNeo accepts cookie and consent banners and removes more than 60 known consent platforms, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; those steps can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, failed loads, timeouts, and cache hits are not billed, and each response identifies the page verdict and billing status in headers. Its MCP server provides screenshot and PDF tools for AI agents. The free plan includes 1,000 shots per month without a card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 shots.
Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan: 1,000 screenshots a month, no card required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
