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Screen Record Start

screen_record_start

Begins a screen recording (ScreenCaptureKit) of a display, window, or region. Single active session in v1 — a second start returns already_recording. Returns a session_id used by record_marker and screen_record_stop. Requires Screen Recording permission; without it returns an explicit permission_required error, never a silent no-op.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fpsNoFrames per second (default 60).
targetYesWhat to capture.
output_pathNoWhere to write the .mov (default: temp file, returned by stop). Missing parent folders are created.
show_cursorNoDefault true.

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Beyond the annotations, the description discloses important behavioral traits: it uses ScreenCaptureKit, enforces a single active session, returns an explicit already_recording error on conflict, requires Screen Recording permission, and returns a permission_required error rather than silently failing. This is exceptional transparency for a mutating tool.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three dense, front-loaded sentences with no filler. Every sentence contributes meaningful operational information: what it starts, the single-session constraint, the return value, and the permission/error behavior.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a tool with moderate complexity, no output schema, and rich sibling context, this description covers the essential call-time facts: start behavior, session limit, session_id usage, permission requirements, and error semantics. Nothing critical is missing for an agent to invoke it correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already covers 100% of parameters with descriptions, so the description does not need to repeat parameter details. It does add context around target kinds (display, window, region) and the session_id relationship, but does not go beyond the schema's parameter-level clarity.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly identifies the action ('Begins a screen recording') and the exact capture targets (display, window, region). It is easily distinguished from sibling tools like screen_record_stop and screen_record_status by focusing on the start operation, and the session_id pointer reinforces its role.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description gives strong contextual guidance: there can only be one active session, a second start returns already_recording, and the returned session_id is needed by record_marker and screen_record_stop. It does not explicitly exclude alternatives like screenshot_capture, but the context is clear enough for a start action.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Disambiguation3/5

Many tools are clearly distinct per app (e.g., chrome_*, safari_*, m365_*), but there is notable overlap between generic file tools like `file_list` and `finder_list`, both listing files; `search_contacts` and `list_contacts` serve similar purposes; `report_friction` and `report_problem` both send feedback to the team. The large number of tools with similar purposes in different domains creates moderate ambiguity for an agent.

Naming Consistency4/5

The naming convention is very consistent overall: most tools follow a `{app}_action` or `verb_noun` pattern (e.g., `chrome_click`, `create_calendar_event`, `list_reminders`). There are minor deviations like `lmcp_install_upgrade` (two verbs) and `complete_omnifocus_task` vs. `complete_reminder` (inconsistent verb placement). Still, the pattern is predictable and readable across the full set.

Tool Count2/5

With 225 tools, the surface is extremely large and heavy. While it covers many distinct domains (browsers, mail, calendar, files, notes, reminders, video editing, web automation, etc.), the sheer number makes it hard to navigate and likely includes many rarely-used tools. This is far beyond the well-scoped range of 3-15 tools and feels excessive even for a 'local everything' MCP server.

Completeness3/5

For many app integrations, the tool set provides solid CRUD coverage (e.g., Calendar has create, read, update, delete; Apple Notes has create, read, update, list, search; OmniFocus has create, list, search, complete). However, some areas are incomplete: for example, there is no tool to create a new Mail folder or delete notes. The 'web' tools lack a clear update/delete for saved sessions. The suite is broad but has notable gaps within individual domains.