Playwright MCP

browser_select_option

Destructive

Selects one or multiple options in a dropdown by element reference or selector. Use it to set dropdown values during browser automation when a click alone cannot pick the desired option.

Instructions

Select an option in a dropdown

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "target": "<target>",
      "values": "<values>"
    },
    "name": "browser_select_option"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`target`	Yes	Exact target element reference from the page snapshot, or a unique element selector
`values`	Yes	Array of values to select in the dropdown. This can be a single value or multiple values.
`element`	No	Human-readable element description used to obtain permission to interact with the element

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.0.77Oct 29, 2026

TDQS

B3.4/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already indicate destructive=true, so the description does not contradict that. But the description adds no further behavioral detail (e.g., side effects on the page). With annotations present, the bar is lower, and the description is neutral.

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 a single concise sentence with no redundant words. It is well-structured and to the point.

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?

The tool is simple and the schema covers all parameters. The description is short but sufficient for a basic understanding. It does not specify whether values are labels or values, but that is a minor omission given the context.

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 coverage is 100% with clear parameter descriptions for target and values. The tool description itself does not explain parameters beyond what the schema already provides, so it adds no extra semantic value.

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 (select) and the target (option in a dropdown), distinguishing it from more general actions like click or type. However, it does not explicitly contrast with sibling tools, so it misses a bit of distinction.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention when selecting is appropriate or when other actions (e.g., click, type) might be preferred.

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