Playwright MCP

browser_file_upload

Destructive

Upload one or multiple files to a web page through a browser automation session. Specify absolute file paths to trigger file selection, or omit paths to cancel the upload dialog.

Instructions

Upload one or multiple files

Tool call template

This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {},
    "name": "browser_file_upload"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`paths`	No	The absolute paths to the files to upload. Can be single file or multiple files. If omitted, file chooser is cancelled.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.0.77Sep 5, 2026

TDQS

B3.4/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

The annotations already indicate destructive behavior and non-read-only semantics, so the description does not need to restate those. However, the description does not mention side effects beyond uploading, such as navigating away, opening or cancelling a file chooser, or potential overwrite behavior, though the parameter description partially covers the cancellation case.

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?

The description is extremely concise and free of filler. Every word contributes meaning, and the parameter description adds necessary details without redundancy.

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

Completeness3/5

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

For a simple one-parameter tool with no output schema, the description and parameter comment cover the essential input and basic behavior. However, it does not describe what happens after the upload, what success or failure looks like, or how this fits into the broader browser automation workflow, leaving some practical context missing.

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

Parameters4/5

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

The schema only defines an array of strings, but the parameter description adds important meaning: paths must be absolute, multiple files are allowed, and omitting the parameter cancels the file chooser. This goes beyond the raw schema and helps an agent use the parameter correctly.

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?

The description clearly states the action ('Upload') and the resource ('files'), and specifies 'one or multiple'. It does not explicitly state the destination or context, but the tool name and sibling set make the browser file-upload intent sufficiently clear.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as browser_drop or other browser interaction tools. It also does not mention prerequisites like whether the file chooser must already be open or how paths should be formatted beyond 'absolute'.

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