macos-computer-use

Automates macOS desktop interactions via screenshots, element indexing, and background input routing.

1|Updated Jun 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Araara7/hermes-skills --skill macos-computer-use-araara7
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: macos-computer-use
Source: https://github.com/Araara7/hermes-skills/tree/main/apple/macos-computer-use
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Araara7/hermes-skills --skill macos-computer-use-araara7

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Driving a Mac's GUI programmatically usually means hijacking the user's cursor, keyboard focus, and active Space, which interrupts their work. This Skill lets an AI operate macOS apps in the background — clicking, typing, scrolling, and dragging — while the user keeps working uninterrupted. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Element-indexed interaction: Capture screenshots with numbered overlays on every interactable element plus an accessibility-tree index, then click by element number instead of fragile pixel coordinates. - Background input routing: Target any app on any Space without raising windows, stealing focus, or moving the user's cursor. - Model-agnostic workflow: Works with any tool-capable model (Claude, GPT, Gemini, or local models) through a single computer_use tool with capture, click, type, key, scroll, drag, and wait actions. - Use Case: Ask the AI to file a message in native Mail, organize Finder windows, or operate a Mac-only app like Figma or Logic while you continue typing in your editor. ## Quick Start Ask the AI to open Safari in the background, capture the page, and click the sign-in button by its element index.

Frequently Asked Questions about macos-computer-use

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate macOS GUI apps without moving the user's cursor?▼

Use the computer_use tool, which routes clicks, typing, and scrolling to apps in the background without raising windows or stealing focus. Capture the target app first, then click elements by their numbered index from the accessibility tree.

How do I click UI elements reliably with an AI model?▼

Capture with mode="som" to get numbered overlays on every interactable element, then call click with the element index instead of pixel coordinates. Index-based clicking is far more reliable across models than raw coordinates.

Does macOS computer use automation work with models other than Claude?▼

Yes, the computer_use tool works with any tool-capable model including GPT, Gemini, and local models on OpenAI-compatible endpoints. There is no Anthropic-specific schema; all actions use plain parameters like element, coordinate, and text.

When should I use computer_use instead of browser automation tools?▼

Use browser tools for web tasks since headless Chromium is more reliable than driving a GUI browser. Reserve computer_use for tasks requiring the user's actual native Mac apps like Mail, Messages, Finder, Figma, or games.

Why did my element click have no effect on macOS?▼

Element indices go stale when the UI changes after your last capture, or a hidden modal may be blocking input. Re-capture the app to refresh indices, dismiss any dialog with escape or its close button, then retry the click.

What permissions does macOS computer use automation require?▼

The cua-driver requires macOS with Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions granted. Install it through the hermes tools setup, which runs the upstream installation script for the Computer Use tool.