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scout_screenshot

Capture a JPEG screenshot of the viewport for pixel-native content—like canvas or visual gestalt—when computed data points are not enough.

Instructions

Take a JPEG screenshot of the current viewport. LAST RESORT: geometry issues are in scout_snapshot and style/contrast/spacing issues are in scout_design_audit — images that failed to load are listed in scout_snapshot under BROKEN IMAGES — use a screenshot only for pixel-native content (a canvas, visual gestalt) that computed data cannot capture.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
sessionNoTarget this session directly instead of the active one — pass it explicitly when dispatching to MULTIPLE sessions in one turn (e.g. two scout_click calls with different `session`), which then run CONCURRENTLY rather than queueing. Omit for single-session sequential use.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv3.31.0
    • removedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Removed value: -false
  2. Addedv1.1.0

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It discloses the output format (JPEG), the scope (current viewport, not full page), and the fact that it should not be used for geometry, broken images, or style issues. It does not mention latency, waiting for load, or whether the screenshot can fail, but the core behavioral profile is well covered.

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 front-loaded with the core action, then immediately states the LAST RESORT constraint and routes to the correct siblings. Every sentence earns its place and zero words are 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?

Given one optional parameter, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is nearly complete. It covers use case, alternatives, and output scope. A small gap remains around operational behavior such as waiting for load or handling screenshot failures, but the essential guidance is present.

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%, so the sole optional 'session' parameter is fully documented in the schema. The description adds no parameter-specific semantics beyond what the schema already provides; baseline 3 applies.

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?

Names a specific verb and resource ('Take a JPEG screenshot of the current viewport') and explicitly distinguishes the tool from sibling alternatives. An agent can immediately tell this is for pixel-native content, not DOM or style analysis.

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

Usage Guidelines5/5

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

Explicitly labels the tool as a LAST RESORT, names scout_snapshot for geometry and broken images, scout_design_audit for style/contrast/spacing, and states the only appropriate use case: pixel-native content such as a canvas or visual gestalt. When-to-use and when-not-to-use are both clear.

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