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RunMacro Documentation
Create your first robot, then go further as needed.
Clear step-by-step guides to create, run, and improve robots for repetitive computer work.
Open a URL in background Chrome (CDP)
Open URL is a Browser Mode command that uses CDP to navigate Chrome to a configured address. It supports the current or a new tab and variables in the URL; Chrome must be connected before running.
Prerequisites#
- Chrome is enabled and connected in Browser Mode (CDP).
- The URL is valid and variables used in it have values before execution.
- For dynamic pages, prepare Wait for element or Delay after navigation.
Supported modes#
- Browser Mode — Navigates through CDP without controlling the system mouse or keyboard.
What it does#
The Open URL command drives background Chrome (CDP mode) to a web address. Because it runs through CDP it does not take over the real mouse/keyboard — you can keep working. The URL can include variables (e.g. {link}).
Screenshots & video#
When to use it#
- Start a web workflow by opening the target page.
- Switch to a different URL mid-script.
- Open many links in turn pulled from a variable/data store.
When not to use it#
- You need to open a desktop application or a browser that is not connected through CDP.
- You need to assert that the page is ready in the same command; add an appropriate wait step.
- The URL contains sensitive data without a plan to protect logs and configuration files.
Configuration steps#
- Set the macro to Browser Mode (Chrome/CDP) and connect Chrome.
- Add the Browser › Open URL command.
- Enter the URL (variables allowed) and choose Current tab or New tab. Save.
Every option explained#
Expected result#
Chrome navigates the selected tab to the URL after variable substitution; when New tab is selected, a new tab is created for the address.
Real example#
Example: open a login page then wait#
- Open URL
https://facebook.com(current tab). - Add a Delay of 2000ms so the page loads.
- Continue with Smart HTML commands to log in.
Limitations and failure cases#
- Opening a URL does not guarantee that dynamic content is ready; prefer Wait for element over an arbitrary delay when possible.
- The command works only with an active Browser Mode/CDP connection.
- Invalid URLs or variables can fail navigation or open the wrong page.
Tips & common mistakes#
This command only runs in Browser Mode (CDP). In regular Desktop Mode it logs an error and does nothing.
Verification details#
commands/cdp_browser.py
