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ui_find_element

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Find UI elements in an iOS simulator by searching accessibility labels or unique IDs. Supports substring or exact matching, case sensitivity, and element type filtering.

Instructions

Searches the accessibility tree and returns elements matching the given criteria

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
udidNoUdid of target, can also be set with the IDB_UDID env var
searchYesArray of search strings. An element matches if ANY string matches against its AXLabel or AXUniqueId
typeNoFilter by element type (e.g. 'Button', 'StaticText', 'Group'). Case-insensitive exact match
matchModeNoMatch mode for search strings: 'substring' (default) or 'exact'substring
caseSensitiveNoWhether search matching is case-sensitive (default: false)
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=true, so the description does not need to disclose safety. The description adds no behavioral detail beyond 'returns elements', but this is consistent with annotations. No contradictions.

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 sentence that is front-loaded with the main action. Every word is necessary; no fluff.

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 the rich schema (100% coverage) and simple search nature, the description is almost complete. It could mention that multiple matches may be returned, but the schema already indicates an array input. With no output schema, the behavior is sufficiently implied.

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?

All 5 parameters have schema descriptions (100% coverage), so the description adds minimal extra meaning. It only generalizes the search criteria, which is already detailed in the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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 states the action ('Searches') and the resource ('the accessibility tree'), with a clear purpose of returning matching elements. It is specific and distinguishes from sibling tools like 'ui_describe_all' or 'ui_tap'.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., 'ui_describe_all' for full tree, 'ui_tap' for interaction). The description lacks any when-to-use or when-not-to-use context.

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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