Playwright MCP

browser_navigate

Destructive

Navigate web pages to specified URLs for automated browser interaction and content access.

Instructions

Navigate to a URL

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`url`	Yes	The URL to navigate to

Implementation Reference

src/tools/navigate.ts:33-39 (handler)

Handler function that ensures a tab exists, navigates to the provided URL, includes a snapshot in the response, and adds the equivalent Playwright code snippet.

handle: async (context, params, response) => {
  const tab = await context.ensureTab();
  await tab.navigate(params.url);

  response.setIncludeSnapshot();
  response.addCode(`await page.goto('${params.url}');`);
},

src/tools/navigate.ts:23-31 (schema)

Tool schema defining the name 'browser_navigate', input with 'url' string parameter, marked as destructive.

schema: {
  name: 'browser_navigate',
  title: 'Navigate to a URL',
  description: 'Navigate to a URL',
  inputSchema: z.object({
    url: z.string().describe('The URL to navigate to'),
  }),
  type: 'destructive',
},

src/tools.ts:36-52 (registration)

Registration of all tools in allTools array by importing and spreading modules including navigate.ts which defines browser_navigate.

export const allTools: Tool<any>[] = [
  ...common,
  ...console,
  ...dialogs,
  ...evaluate,
  ...files,
  ...install,
  ...keyboard,
  ...navigate,
  ...network,
  ...mouse,
  ...pdf,
  ...screenshot,
  ...snapshot,
  ...tabs,
  ...wait,
];

src/browserServerBackend.ts:50-50 (registration)
BrowserServerBackend constructor loads the filtered list of tools from tools.ts, registering browser_navigate among others for the MCP server.
```
this._tools = filteredTools(config);
```

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedAug 15, 2025

TDQS

B3.3/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

Annotations indicate destructiveHint=true and readOnlyHint=false, which the description does not contradict. However, the description adds minimal behavioral context beyond annotations—it implies navigation but does not specify effects like page loading, error handling, or browser state changes. With annotations covering safety, a baseline 3 is appropriate as the description adds little extra value.

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, efficient sentence with no wasted words. It is appropriately sized for a simple tool and front-loaded with the core action, making it easy to understand quickly.

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?

Given the tool's low complexity (one parameter) and rich annotations (destructiveHint, openWorldHint), the description is minimally adequate. However, with no output schema and the description lacking details on return values or navigation outcomes, it leaves gaps in understanding the full tool behavior.

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?

The input schema has 100% description coverage, with the 'url' parameter fully documented. The description does not add any meaning beyond the schema, such as URL format requirements or navigation behavior details. Baseline 3 is correct when the schema handles all parameter documentation.

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 'Navigate to a URL' clearly states the action (navigate) and target (URL), making the purpose understandable. However, it does not differentiate from sibling tools like 'browser_navigate_back' or 'browser_navigate_forward', which are related navigation actions, so it lacks sibling 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 to choose this over other navigation tools like 'browser_navigate_back' or 'browser_navigate_forward', nor does it specify any prerequisites or exclusions for usage.

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