connect-chrome

Claude connects to live Chrome by launching a headed browser window controlled by gstack with the Side Panel extension auto-loaded. This workflow includes pre-flight cleanup, port discovery, and extension verification to enable real-time browser automation.

The Side Panel extension provides a live activity feed and sidebar chat interface within the visible Chrome window. It enables Claude to demonstrate actions in real time, explain results, and guide users through next steps during browser automation sessions.

You launch headed Chrome with the gstack extension by running a workflow that performs pre-flight cleanup, starts the browser on port 34567, verifies Mode: headed, and guides you to open the Side Panel for a live demo and sidebar chat.

This workflow specifically targets headed Chrome mode to provide a visible browser window. It verifies Mode: headed during setup to ensure the browser instance is visible and the Side Panel extension loads correctly for live demonstrations and debugging.

Connection issues on port 34567 are addressed by the workflow's port discovery and pre-flight cleanup steps. The workflow checks port readiness, performs cleanup to ensure a clean session, and handles errors with a guided AskUserQuestion flow when decisions are required.

When the Side Panel extension is not discovered, the workflow handles the error through extension discovery checks and a guided AskUserQuestion flow. This prompts the user with necessary decisions to resolve the issue and verify the extension connection step by step.