browserbaseInstall Functions
Pick your agent. Every command is ready to paste.
npx skills add browserbase/skills --skill functionsThe open skills CLI detects your agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ more) and installs to the right folder. Add -g to install globally.
01
Install it
Run the command above, or upload the folder in Claude.
02
Ask naturally
Describe the task. Your agent loads functions when the request matches its description.
03
Name it if needed
If it does not trigger, say “use the functions skill”. In Codex, type $functions.
Browserbase Functions
Deploy serverless browser automation using the official browse CLI.
Prerequisites
Get an API key from: https://browserbase.com/settings
export BROWSERBASE_API_KEY="your_api_key"
Creating a Function Project
1. Initialize
browse functions init my-function
cd my-function
This creates:
my-function/
├── package.json
├── index.ts # Your function code
└── .env # Add credentials here
2. Add Credentials to .env
echo "BROWSERBASE_API_KEY=$BROWSERBASE_API_KEY" >> .env
3. Install Dependencies
pnpm install
Function Structure
import { defineFn } from "@browserbasehq/sdk-functions";
import { chromium } from "playwright-core";
defineFn("my-function", async (context) => {
const { session, params } = context;
// Connect to browser
const browser = await chromium.connectOverCDP(session.connectUrl);
const page = browser.contexts()[0]!.pages()[0]!;
// Your automation
await page.goto(params.url || "https://example.com");
const title = await page.title();
// Return JSON-serializable result
return { success: true, title };
});
Key objects:
context.session.connectUrl- CDP endpoint to connect Playwrightcontext.params- Input parameters from invocation
Development Workflow
1. Start Dev Server
browse functions dev index.ts
Server runs at http://127.0.0.1:14113
2. Test Locally
curl -X POST http://127.0.0.1:14113/v1/functions/my-function/invoke \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"params": {"url": "https://news.ycombinator.com"}}'
3. Iterate
The dev server auto-reloads on file changes. Use console.log() for debugging - output appears in the terminal.
Deploying
browse functions publish index.ts
Output:
Function published successfully
Build ID: xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx
Function ID: xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx
Save the Function ID - you need it to invoke.
Quick Reference
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
browse functions init <name> |
Create new project |
browse functions dev <file> |
Start local dev server |
browse functions publish <file> |
Deploy to Browserbase |
For invocation examples, common patterns, and troubleshooting, see REFERENCE.md.
Tips for Functions
- • Start a fresh session after installing so your agent picks up the new skill.
- • It is part of a pack with 18 skills. Install only the ones you need with --skill to keep triggers precise.
- • If two skills overlap, mention the one you want by name.
Questions about Functions
What does the Functions skill do?
Deploy serverless browser automation as cloud functions using Browserbase. Use when the user wants to deploy browser automation to run on a schedule or cron, create a webhook endpoint for browser tasks, run automation in the cloud instead of locally, or asks about Browserbase Functions.
How do I install Functions?
Run "npx skills add browserbase/skills --skill functions" in your project. The skills CLI installs it for Claude Code, Cursor, Codex and 70+ other agents. In Claude on the web, upload the skill folder as a ZIP under Customize > Skills.
Does Functions work in Cursor and Codex?
Yes. Functions uses the open SKILL.md format, so it works in Claude Code, Claude, Cursor, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and other agents that support agent skills.
Is Functions free?
Functions is open source on GitHub. It is free to install; check the license before commercial use.
Who made Functions?
Functions is published by browserbase in the browserbase/skills repository, together with 17 other skills.
