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 mcpchrome-devtoolsnavigatepage or mcpchrome-devtoolsselectpage followed by navigation
• Do NOT use mcpchrome-devtoolsnew_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:

`` mcpchrome-devtoolslist_pages ``

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

`` mcpchrome-devtoolsclose_page (pageId: N) ``

1. 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:

`` mcpchrome-devtoolsselect_page (pageId: N) ``

1. Navigate within that tab:

`` mcpchrome-devtoolsnavigate_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 selectpage to switch tabs and navigatepage 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: mcpchrome-devtoolslist_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