playwright-skill
IMPORTANT - Path Resolution: This skill can be installed in different locations (plugin system, manual installation, global, or project-specific). Before executing any commands, determine the skill directory based on where you loaded this SKILL.md file, and use that path in all commands below.
By sickn33 · 3,805 installs
npx skills add sickn33/agentic-awesome-skills --skill playwright-skill
Source repository · Upstream listing
IMPORTANT Path Resolution:
This skill can be installed in different locations (plugin system, manual installation, global, or project specific). Before executing any commands, determine the skill directory based on where you loaded this SKILL.md file, and use that path in all commands below. Replace $SKILL DIR with the actual discovered path.
Common installation paths:
Plugin system: <plugin root /skills/playwright skill
Manual global: <agent home /skills/playwright skill
Project specific: <project /.agent/skills/playwright skill
Playwright Browser Automation
General purpose browser automation skill. I'll write custom Playwright code for any automation task you request and execute it via the universal executor.
CRITICAL WORKFLOW Follow these steps in order:
1. Auto detect dev servers For localhost testing, ALWAYS run server detection FIRST:
If 1 server found : Use it automatically, inform user
If multiple servers found : Ask user which one to test
If no servers found : Ask for URL or offer to help start dev server
2. Write scripts to /tmp NEVER write test files to skill directory; always use /tmp/playwright test .js
3. Use visible browser by default Always use headless: false unless user specifically requests headless mode
4. Parameterize URLs Always make URLs configurable via environment variable or constant at top of script
How It Works
1. You describe what you want to test/automate
2. I auto detect running dev servers (or ask for URL if testing external site)
3. I write custom Playwright code in /tmp/playwright test .js (won't clutter your project)
4. I execute it via: cd $SKILL DIR && node run.js /tmp/playwright test .js
5. Results displayed in real time, browser window visible for debugging
6. Test files auto cleaned from /tmp by your OS
Setup (First Time)
This installs Playwright and Chromium browser. Only needed once.
Execution Pattern
Step 1: Detect dev servers (for localhost testing)
Step 2: Write test script to /tmp with URL parameter
Step 3: Execute from skill directory
Common Patterns
Test a Page (Multiple Viewports)
Test Login Flow
Fill and Submit Form
Check for Broken Links
Take Screenshot with Error Handling
Test Responsive Design
Inline Execution (Simple Tasks)
For quick one off tasks, you can execute code inline without creating files:
When to use inline vs files:
Inline : Quick one off tasks (screenshot, check if element exists, get page title)
Files : Complex tests, responsive design checks, anything user might want to re run
Available Helpers
Optional utility functions in lib/helpers.js :
See lib/helpers.js for full list.
Custom HTTP Headers
Configure custom headers for all HTTP requests via environment variables. Useful for:
Identifying automated traffic to your backend
Getting LLM optimized responses (e.g., plain text errors instead of styled HTML)
Adding authentication tokens globally
Configuration
Single header (common case):
Multiple headers (JSON format):
How It Works
Headers are automatically applied when using helpers.createContext() :
For scripts using raw Playwright API, use the injected getContextOptionsWithHeaders() :
Advanced Usage
For comprehensive Playwright API documentation, see [API REFERENCE.md](API REFERENCE.md):
Selectors & Locators best practices
Network interception & API mocking
Authentication & session management
Visual regression testing
Mobile device emulation
Performance testing
Debugging techniques
CI/CD integration
Tips
CRITICAL: Detect servers FIRST Always run detectDevServers() before writing test code for localhost testing
Custom headers Use PW HEADER NAME / PW HEADER VALUE env vars to identify automated traffic to your backend
Use /tmp for test files Write to /tmp/playwright test .js , never to skill directory or user's project
Parameterize URLs Put detected/provided URL in a TARGET URL constant at the top of every script
DEFAULT: Visible browser Always use headless: false unless user explicitly asks for headless mode
Headless mode Only use headless: true when user specifically requests "headless" or "background" execution
Slow down: Use slowMo: 100 to make actions visible and easier to follow
Wait strategies: Use waitForURL , waitForSelector , waitForLoadState instead of fixed timeouts
Error handling: Always use try catch for robust automation
Console output: Use console.log() to track progress and show what's happening
Troubleshooting
Playwright not installed:
Module not found:
Ensure running from skill directory via run.js wrapper
Browser doesn't open:
Check headless: false and ensure display available
Element not found:
Add wait: await page.waitForSelector('.element', { timeout: 10000 })
Example Usage
Notes
Each automation is custom written for your specific request
Not limited to pre built scripts any browser task possible
Auto detects running dev servers to eliminate hardcoded URLs
Test scripts written to /tmp for automatic cleanup (no clutter)
Code executes reliably with proper module resolution via run.js
Progressive disclosure API REFERENCE.md loaded only when advanced features needed
When to Use
This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.
Limitations
Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment specific validation, testing, or expert review.
Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.