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Ui Expand

ui_expand
Destructive

Use this to expand an identified native Accessibility/UI Automation tree node or disclosure control to reveal its children. Inspect the current element first.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idNoElement id returned by ui_snapshot or ui_find. Linux ids are stable per-process accessibility paths and legacy linux:<index> ids remain accepted.
appNoLimit matching to an application/process name substring when available.
pidNoLimit matching to one owning process id when available.
nameNoAccessible name/title substring.
roleNoAccessible role such as Button, Edit, textbox or AXButton.
labelNoCompact numeric label from the most recent ui_snapshot/ui_find; useful for repeated actions without repeating names or coordinates.
deviceYesReMCP device id returned by list_devices. Required for every device operation.
window_titleNoLimit matching to a top-level accessibility window/frame title substring when available.
automation_idNoWindows AutomationId when available.

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dataNoAct on UI element structured result for ui_action. Stable fields are declared explicitly; platform-specific fields may be added. Large results may return truncated/bytes/preview instead of the full payload.
textYesConcise human-readable result of the tool call.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Added

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare the full behavioral profile (destructiveHint=true, idempotentHint=false, openWorldHint=true), so the bar is lower. The description adds only that the result is revealing children, and does not explain why a merely expanding action is flagged destructive or what happens if the node is already expanded.

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?

Two tight sentences; the action and its target are front-loaded and the prerequisite follows immediately. Nothing is wasted.

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

Completeness4/5

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

With a full schema, output schema, and rich annotations, the description covers what is needed to call it correctly. Minor gaps remain around pre-expanded state behavior and locator precedence, but nothing blocking.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100% with 9 documented locator parameters (id, name, role, label, etc.), so the schema carries the semantics. The phrase 'an identified ... node' hints that identification is a prerequisite but adds no detail about which locator takes precedence.

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

Purpose4/5

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

States a specific verb (expand) on a specific resource (native Accessibility/UI Automation tree node or disclosure control) plus the outcome (reveal its children). An agent can immediately distinguish it from ui_collapse, though the sibling is never named explicitly.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

'Use this to expand...' plus 'Inspect the current element first' gives a precondition but no explicit when-not guidance or named alternative (e.g. ui_collapse, or ui_find when the element isn't yet identified). Usage is implied rather than spelled out.

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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