Browser Tab Management Skill

Overview

This skill enforces the Fixed 4-Tab Browser Model for all browser interactions. The user requires that browser sessions maintain exactly 4 tabs throughout their lifecycle.

Transparency

When applying this skill, always mention it in your response. For example:

"Applying the Browser Tab Management skill — I'll navigate within the existing 4 tabs rather than opening new ones."

This ensures the user knows you're following their browser management preferences.

Core Rules

1. Fixed Tab Count

• Always maintain exactly 4 browser tabs
• Never open new tabs beyond the initial 4
• Never close tabs (except to recover from violations)

2. Navigation Strategy

• To visit a new URL, switch to an existing tab and navigate to the new URL
• Use mcp_chrome-devtools_navigate_page or mcp_chrome-devtools_select_page followed by navigation
• Do NOT use mcp_chrome-devtools_new_page

3. Allowed Actions

• ✅ Switch between existing tabs (select_page)
• ✅ Navigate to a URL within a tab (navigate_page)
• ✅ Refresh a page (navigate_page with type: reload)
• ✅ Take screenshots and interact with page content
• ❌ Open new tabs (new_page)
• ❌ Close tabs arbitrarily (close_page)

Implementation

Before Browser Interactions

1. Check current tab count:

   mcp_chrome-devtools_list_pages
   

2. If more than 4 tabs exist, close excess tabs to restore compliance:

   mcp_chrome-devtools_close_page (pageId: N)
   

3. If fewer than 4 tabs exist, this is acceptable — do not open new ones.

Navigating to a New URL

Instead of opening a new tab:

1. Select an appropriate existing tab:

   mcp_chrome-devtools_select_page (pageId: N)
   

2. Navigate within that tab:

   mcp_chrome-devtools_navigate_page (url: "https://example.com", type: "url")
   

Using Browser Subagent

When invoking browser_subagent, include explicit instructions in the Task:

IMPORTANT: Do NOT open new browser tabs. You must work within the existing tabs. Use select_page to switch tabs and navigate_page to change URLs. If you need to visit multiple URLs, navigate sequentially within the same tab.

Recovery from Violations

If a violation occurs (too many tabs open):

1. List all pages: mcp_chrome-devtools_list_pages
2. Identify which tabs to keep (prioritize active work)
3. Close excess tabs until exactly 4 remain
4. Document the recovery in your response

Example: Checking a Website

Bad approach (opens new tab):

mcp_chrome-devtools_new_page (url: "https://example.com")  ❌

Good approach (navigates within existing tab):

mcp_chrome-devtools_select_page (pageId: 2)
mcp_chrome-devtools_navigate_page (url: "https://example.com", type: "url")  ✅

Rationale

This constraint:

• Reduces browser resource usage
• Keeps the workspace organized
• Prevents tab sprawl during complex tasks
• Makes it easier for the user to track what's happening