Content
# chrome-devtools-slim
> **Chrome Devtools MCP server optimized for AI assistants** — Reduce context window tokens by 69.5% while keeping full functionality. Compatible with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Cursor, and all MCP clients.
[](https://www.npmjs.com/package/chrome-devtools-slim)
[](https://github.com/mcpslim/mcpslim)
[](https://modelcontextprotocol.io)
## What is chrome-devtools-slim?
A **token-optimized** version of the Chrome Devtools [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://modelcontextprotocol.io) server.
### The Problem
MCP tool schemas consume significant **context window tokens**. When AI assistants like Claude or ChatGPT load MCP tools, each tool definition takes up valuable context space.
The original `chrome-devtools-mcp` loads **26 tools** consuming approximately **~18,576 tokens** — that's space you could use for actual conversation.
### The Solution
`chrome-devtools-slim` intelligently **groups 26 tools into 8 semantic operations**, reducing token usage by **69.5%** — with **zero functionality loss**.
Your AI assistant sees fewer, smarter tools. Every original capability remains available.
## Performance
| Metric | Original | Slim | Reduction |
|--------|----------|------|-----------|
| Tools | 26 | 8 | **-69%** |
| Schema Tokens | 3,756 | 1,104 | **70.6%** |
| Claude Code (est.) | ~18,576 | ~5,664 | **~69.5%** |
> **Benchmark Info**
> - Original: `chrome-devtools-mcp@0.12.1`
> - Schema tokens measured with [tiktoken](https://github.com/openai/tiktoken) (cl100k_base)
> - Claude Code estimate includes ~570 tokens/tool overhead
## Quick Start
### One-Command Setup (Recommended)
```bash
# Claude Desktop - auto-configure
npx chrome-devtools-slim --setup claude
# Cursor - auto-configure
npx chrome-devtools-slim --setup cursor
# Interactive mode (choose your client)
npx chrome-devtools-slim --setup
```
Done! Restart your app to use chrome-devtools.
### CLI Tools (already have CLI?)
```bash
# Claude Code (creates .mcp.json in project root)
claude mcp add chrome-devtools -s project -- npx -y chrome-devtools-slim@latest
# Windows: use cmd /c wrapper
claude mcp add chrome-devtools -s project -- cmd /c npx -y chrome-devtools-slim@latest
# VS Code (Copilot, Cline, Roo Code)
code --add-mcp '{"name":"chrome-devtools","command":"npx","args":["-y","chrome-devtools-slim@latest"]}'
```
## Manual Setup
<details>
<summary>Click to expand manual configuration options</summary>
### Claude Desktop
Add to your `claude_desktop_config.json`:
| OS | Path |
|----|------|
| Windows | `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json` |
| macOS | `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` |
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"chrome-devtools": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "chrome-devtools-slim@latest"]
}
}
}
```
### Cursor
Add to `.cursor/mcp.json` (global) or `<project>/.cursor/mcp.json` (project):
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"chrome-devtools": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "chrome-devtools-slim@latest"]
}
}
}
```
</details>
## How It Works
MCPSlim acts as a **transparent bridge** between AI models and the original MCP server:
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Without MCPSlim │
│ │
│ [AI Model] ──── reads 26 tool schemas ────→ [Original MCP] │
│ (~18,576 tokens loaded into context) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ With MCPSlim │
│ │
│ [AI Model] ───→ [MCPSlim Bridge] ───→ [Original MCP] │
│ │ │ │ │
│ Sees 8 grouped Translates to Executes actual │
│ tools only original call tool & returns │
│ (~5,664 tokens) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
### How Translation Works
1. **AI reads slim schema** — Only 8 grouped tools instead of 26
2. **AI calls grouped tool** — e.g., `interaction({ action: "click", ... })`
3. **MCPSlim translates** — Converts to original: `browser_click({ ... })`
4. **Original MCP executes** — Real server processes the request
5. **Response returned** — Result passes back unchanged
**Zero functionality loss. 69.5% token savings.**
## Available Tool Groups
| Group | Actions |
|-------|---------|
| `get` | 2 |
| `list` | 3 |
| `performance` | 3 |
| `take` | 2 |
| `page` | 5 |
| `interaction` | 7 |
| `control` | 3 |
Plus **1 passthrough tool** — tools that don't group well are kept as-is with optimized descriptions.
## Compatibility
- ✅ **Full functionality** — All original `chrome-devtools-mcp` features preserved
- ✅ **All AI assistants** — Works with Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and any MCP client
- ✅ **Drop-in replacement** — Same capabilities, just use grouped action names
- ✅ **Tested** — Schema compatibility verified via automated tests
## FAQ
### Does this reduce functionality?
**No.** Every original tool is accessible. Tools are grouped semantically (e.g., `click`, `hover`, `drag` → `interaction`), but all actions remain available via the `action` parameter.
### Why do AI assistants need token optimization?
AI models have limited context windows. MCP tool schemas consume tokens that could be used for conversation, code, or documents. Reducing tool schema size means more room for actual work.
### Is this officially supported?
MCPSlim is a community project. It wraps official MCP servers transparently — the original server does all the real work.
## License
MIT
---
<p align="center">
Powered by <a href="https://github.com/mcpslim/mcpslim"><b>MCPSlim</b></a> — MCP Token Optimizer
<br>
<sub>Reduce AI context usage. Keep full functionality.</sub>
</p>
