Building Desktop Automation Agents
Controlling Desktop Applications
5 min read
Claude can interact with any GUI application - from IDEs to design tools to business software.
Application Patterns
1. Opening Applications
task = """
Open VS Code and:
1. Create a new file
2. Write a simple Python function
3. Save it as 'hello.py'
4. Run it in the integrated terminal
"""
Claude navigates using:
- Application menus
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Click coordinates
2. Menu Navigation
Claude understands standard menu structures:
task = """
In LibreOffice Writer:
1. Open File menu
2. Click 'New Document'
3. Type a paragraph about AI
4. Format it as a heading
5. Save as PDF
"""
3. Keyboard Shortcuts
Claude can use shortcuts for efficiency:
| Shortcut | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+S | Save |
| Ctrl+C/V | Copy/Paste |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| Alt+Tab | Switch windows |
| Ctrl+Shift+P | Command palette |
Example: IDE Automation
task = """
In VS Code:
1. Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
2. Search for 'Python: Create Environment'
3. Select 'Venv'
4. Wait for environment creation
5. Open a new terminal
6. Verify Python is from venv
"""
Multi-Window Workflows
Handle applications with multiple windows:
task = """
1. Open a terminal window
2. Open a text editor window
3. In the editor, write a bash script
4. Save the script
5. Switch to terminal
6. Run the script
7. Report the output
"""
Drag and Drop
Claude can perform drag operations:
# Claude might use:
{
"action": "mouse_move",
"coordinate": [100, 200] # Source
}
{
"action": "left_mouse_down"
}
{
"action": "mouse_move",
"coordinate": [400, 300] # Destination
}
{
"action": "left_mouse_up"
}
Handling Pop-ups and Dialogs
task = """
Install the application.
If you see:
- Security warning: Click 'Allow'
- License agreement: Scroll down, check 'I agree', click 'Next'
- Installation type: Choose 'Standard'
- Finish dialog: Click 'Close'
"""
Application-Specific Tips
| Application | Tip |
|---|---|
| Browsers | Use keyboard navigation |
| IDEs | Leverage command palettes |
| Office apps | Use ribbon shortcuts |
| Image editors | Work with tool panels |
Tip: For complex applications, break tasks into smaller steps with verification points.
In the next module, we'll focus specifically on browser automation. :::