Web browser automation takes those boring, repetitive tasks, like filling out forms, and automates the process. From creating hotkeys, to simplifying a task, to creating completely custom automations, Chrome extensions offer a wide variety of ways to automate browsing.
1. UI.Vision RPA
Price: Free
Formerly called Kantu, UI.Vision RPA combines the best of Kantu’s browser automation capabilities with the ability to automate desktop apps as well. You’ll need to download the free Ui.Vision XModules for the desktop automation. This makes it one of the most powerful extensions for automating boring browsing tasks.
It is capable of interacting with almost all websites for better browser automation. It supports sites with complex features, like dialog boxes and frames, along with AJAX, JavaScript, and Flash. The extension even supports data mining! By combining visual browser automation, UI testing, multiplatform desktop automation, and Selenium IDE++, it could become your favorite Chrome automation extension. There is a learning curve, but the extension offers tutorial videos to help you.
2. ProKeys
Price: Free
Tired of typing out everything? What if you could create quick shortcuts to type an email address or entire phrase you commonly use? ProKeys lets you do just that. While it may take a little time to get everything set up, this browser automation and website automation extension helps reduce repetitive typing and annoying copy and paste.
Set up entire emails that populate by typing a single snippet. Or, let Chrome handle math for you instantly. It’s a powerful extension that you’ll use again and again. The best part is that it’s completely free, and you don’t even have to sign up. Once you get used to creating snippets, your fingers, wrist, and brain will thank you for giving them a much needed break from the mundane repetition.
While you’re deciding what text to automate, relax with some YouTube videos, but make sure you use these Chrome extensions with them.
3. Chromium Browser Automation (CBA)
The Chromium Browser Automation is a simple Chrome extension. It’s a full-featured automation tool that helps you avoid repetitive activities. It helps you automate simple activities, like filling out forms, while still being complex enough to support scripting and injection.
Interact with the same webpages often? Record your activities, and just press play in the future. You’ll save valuable time and maybe not feel so bored. For advanced users, try the injection feature to see how scripts affect site performance. Overall, it’s one of the more beginner-friendly automation extensions.
4. Browserflow
Price: Free with premium options
Browserflow is one of the highest-rated browser automation tools on this list. You do have to create a free account, but it’s capable of automating almost any task on nearly any site. Just create a simple workflow. Record actions or manually add elements, such as different site interactions, extracting data, or navigating.
It’s surprisingly straightforward, and you’re even allowed to create unlimited runs and workflows in the free version, but they can only be one minute or less per run. You’ll have to upgrade for longer workflows. The extension also works as a data scraper and features detailed tutorials for both automating and scraping.
Easily pin Browserflow and other Chrome extensions to your Chrome toolbar using these steps.
5. iMacros
Price: Free
While not quite as popular as it once was, iMacros is still one of the top Chrome extensions for website automation. Record a repetitious task, save it, then play it whenever you need to redo the task. For instance, if you fill out lengthy forms on a regular basis, set up a macro, then enjoy all your extra free time, as iMacros takes care of it for you.
There are numerous uses for this browser automation extension. It can take some getting used to when you first start setting things up, but overall, it’s fairly easy to use. Try it on a few tasks to see just how useful it can be for work, school, and even casual browsing.
6. Embtion
Price: Free
Want a more visual way to set up browser automations? Just try Embtion. The no-code extension lets you drag and drop nodes into place. Simply select a node from the editor, enter any relevant details (such as a URL), and order the nodes to create your automation.
While simple enough to set up, Embtion goes a step further: it gives you a task scheduler and logs to see how often a workflow was run. There are also import/export functions to help you easily move your workflows to a new device or share with others.
7. Katalon Recorder
Price: Free with premium options
The Katalon Recorder is an updated version for the obsolete Selenium IDE. It is a powerful automation tool focused on testing and also supports many popular programming languages, such as Java, C#, Ruby, Python, etc. It is useful for recording, replaying, debugging and displaying test results for Chrome.
Using this tool, you can interact with web elements. You can also record all the actions you have performed on a web app. Creating and managing test cases is a breeze, and playing automated test cases takes a few simple clicks. It is also one of the fastest tools available for web automation.
8. Automa
Price: Free
Automa works similarly to Embtion with visual workflows. Easily fill out forms, navigate, scrape data, take screenshots, and much more. The workflow creator is a little more advanced than Embtion, making it ideal for more experienced users. However, step-by-step tutorials help you get the hang of the extension quickly.
Create as many workflows as you want with as many elements as you need. If you’re not sure what elements you need, use the element selector. Then, hover your mouse over the area of the screen you want to automate, and the extension adds the details for you.
Now that you’ve mastered browser automation, it’s time to improve your search experience. Try these Google Chrome extensions to block distractions, filter better, and get improved local results. If you ever install an extension that won’t uninstall, try these troubleshooting methods.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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