macos-computer-use

Drive the macOS desktop with background screenshots, clicks, typing, and scrolling via the computer_use tool.

Updated May 28, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/patty-chow/the-stable --skill macos-computer-use-patty-chow
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: macos-computer-use
Source: https://github.com/patty-chow/the-stable/tree/main/skills/apple/macos-computer-use
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/patty-chow/the-stable --skill macos-computer-use-patty-chow

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Automating native macOS applications normally requires stealing the user's cursor and keyboard focus, interrupting their work. This Skill lets an agent capture screens, click elements, type, scroll, and drag in the background across any Space, without raising windows or hijacking input. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Element-indexed interaction: Capture screenshots with numbered overlays and an accessibility (AX) tree, then click or drag by element index instead of fragile pixel coordinates. - Background input routing: Target a specific app (e.g., Safari, Finder, Mail) without raising its window, switching Spaces, or moving the user's cursor. - Full action set: click, double/right/middle click, drag, scroll, type, keyboard shortcuts, wait, app listing, and focus management, with optional inline post-action captures. - Use Case: Ask the agent to fill out a form in a native Mac app while you keep typing in your editor; it captures the app's UI, clicks fields by index, types values, and verifies the result with a follow-up screenshot. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to capture the Safari window with the computer_use tool 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 input to apps in the background without raising windows, switching Spaces, or stealing keyboard focus. Capture the target app first, then click elements by their index from the AX tree.

How do I click UI elements reliably with computer_use?▼

Capture the screen in som mode to get numbered overlays and an accessibility tree, then call click with the element index rather than pixel coordinates. Index-based clicking is more reliable across models, and you should re-capture if the UI has shifted.

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

Yes, it works with any tool-capable model including GPT, Gemini, or local models on OpenAI-compatible endpoints. There is no Anthropic-native schema; all actions use the same computer_use tool interface.

When should I use browser tools instead of computer_use?▼

Use browser_* tools for web automation because they run a real headless Chromium and are more reliable than driving the user's GUI browser. Reserve computer_use for native Mac apps like Mail, Finder, Messages, Figma, or games.

Why does computer_use report cua-driver not installed?▼

The cua-driver dependency is missing. Run hermes tools and enable Computer Use, which installs cua-driver via its upstream script; macOS Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions are also required.

What actions are blocked by computer_use safety rules?▼

The tool blocks dangerous patterns such as log out, lock screen, force empty trash, and shell commands like curl piped to bash in typed text. Agents must also never click permission dialogs, payment UI, or type passwords and secrets.