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cua-driver-rs

Automate native desktop GUI applications across macOS, Windows, and Linux without foreground focus.

5|Updated Mar 27, 2026
Search Tags:#cross-platform#desktop apps#background execution#gui automation#accessibility tree#element indexing
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/barkleesanders/claude-code-starter --skill cua-driver-rs
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cua-driver-rs
Source: https://github.com/barkleesanders/claude-code-starter/tree/main/skills/cua-driver
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/barkleesanders/claude-code-starter --skill cua-driver-rs

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Automating native desktop applications traditionally requires bringing windows to the foreground, stealing focus from the user's current work and disrupting their workflow. This Skill enables background-first GUI automation that keeps the user's frontmost app unchanged while driving any native application.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Cross-platform GUI automation: Drive apps on macOS, Windows, and Linux using a single unified skill with platform-specific safety guardrails.
  • Accessibility-tree interaction: Snapshot an app's accessibility tree, click and type by element index, and verify actions via re-snapshot without ever activating the target window.
  • Use Case: A developer needs to open Finder, navigate to the Downloads folder, and verify a file exists — all while keeping their code editor frontmost and their cursor undisturbed.

Quick Start

Use the cua-driver-rs skill to open the Downloads folder in Finder and verify its contents without bringing Finder to the foreground.

Frequently Asked Questions about cua-driver-rs

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate desktop apps without stealing foreground focus?▼

Background-first GUI automation drives native desktop applications without bringing their windows to the foreground, keeping the user's frontmost app and cursor undisturbed. It uses accessibility tree inspection and element-indexed clicking to interact with backgrounded windows.

Does cross-platform GUI automation work on macOS, Windows, and Linux?▼

Yes, cross-platform GUI automation works across macOS, Windows, and Linux using a single unified skill with platform-specific safety guardrails. It applies to app launching, text input, scrolling, and state verification in native applications across all three operating systems.

How do I click and type in a backgrounded window using the accessibility tree?▼

To click and type in a backgrounded window, snapshot the app's accessibility tree, identify the target element by its index, and execute clicks or text input directly against that index. You can verify actions by re-snapshotting the tree without activating the window.

Do I need special permissions for background GUI automation on macOS?▼

Background GUI automation on macOS requires platform-specific accessibility and screen recording permissions to be granted. You also need the cua-driver CLI or MCP server installed to execute the element-indexed interactions and accessibility tree snapshots.

What's the best way to verify a file exists in Finder without leaving my code editor?▼

Use background-first GUI automation to open the Downloads folder in Finder and verify its contents while keeping your code editor frontmost. The skill snapshots the accessibility tree to confirm file existence without activating Finder or disrupting your workflow.

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