When you’re setting up a workflow, the last thing you want is extra friction—like having to install browser extensions, switching between different browsers, or worrying about how automation might interfere with your everyday browsing. That’s where the Built-in Browser in Octoparse AI comes in.
It’s designed to let you run simple web automation tasks directly inside the client without touching your personal browser setup. Think of it as a lightweight, ready-to-go browser built specifically for your automations.
Key Benefits of Using the Built-in Browser
The built-in browser makes automation smoother and easier in a few key ways:
No extra plugins required – You don’t need to install any browser add-ons. The built-in browser is ready from the start.
Won’t interfere with your own browsers – Keep using Chrome, Edge, or AdsPower for your daily work. Automations stay separate.
Perfect for quick web tasks – For simple scraping or testing, you don’t need the overhead of a full browser setup.
This separation means you can experiment and debug automations freely without worrying about disrupting your main browsing environment.
When to Use the Built-in Browser
The built-in browser is most effective when you’re working on straightforward automation flows, like filling out a form, clicking buttons, or scraping basic webpage data. It’s also great for testing your ideas quickly before moving to a more advanced setup.
For more complex websites that require login synchronization, advanced browser settings, or full compatibility with browser extensions, you may want to use an external browser instead. Think of the built-in browser as your quick start tool, while external browsers are better for long-term, advanced projects.
How to Access the Built-in Browser
Octoparse AI gives you two convenient ways to open the built-in browser, depending on what you’re working on.
Option 1: From the Home Screen
If you just want to test something quickly or check a page, start from the home screen.
Click the user avatar in the top-right corner, then select Tools → Built-in Browser from the dropdown.
Option 2: From the Workflow Editor
When you’re building or debugging a workflow, it’s easier to open the browser right inside the editor.
In the workflow editor, look at the top bar and click Open Browser. This ties the browser directly to your workflow so you can capture elements or run steps immediately.
💡 Tip: Use the home screen path for quick checks, and the editor path when you’re working on a specific flow.
Tips for Using the Built-in Browser
While the built-in browser is convenient, keep in mind that it’s best suited for simple automation scenarios. If you find the website is too complex or needs advanced handling, consider switching to an external browser. A good approach is to use the built-in browser for prototyping or smaller tasks, then scale up later if needed.
Extended Reading
Want to dive deeper into browser options? Check out these resources: