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How to fill fields in a desktop app that has no API with macOS Harness

Set field values and type text into a Mac app window using numbered elements from a read.

Authorization notice. macOS Harness is dual-use. Only use it on software, sites and systems you own or have explicit permission to test.

Credentials. Text the agent types passes through a shell command, so do not give it passwords you cannot rotate.

Who it is forAn operations or admin worker who enters the same values into a desktop app every week and has no API to use.

The problemRe-entering the same values by hand in a desktop app takes time and invites typing mistakes.

The outcomeThe agent sets each named field to its value and checks the window afterward, so the worker only reviews the result.

What you need first

  • A Mac running macOS, since the project is macOS only
  • Python 3.12 and uv, to install macOS Harness
  • Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions, which every call needs
  • A coding agent CLI such as Claude Code or Codex to run the commands

Steps

  1. Install macOS Harness with uv using Python 3.12, then run macos-harness install --agent claude or your agent's name. (inferred, check the README)
  2. Run macos-harness doctor and confirm the permissions are granted.
  3. Run macos-harness get_app_state --app "TextEdit" and note the element number of each field.
  4. Run macos-harness set_value --app "TextEdit" --element_index 7 --value "report.txt" for each field.
  5. Run macos-harness get_app_state --app "TextEdit" again and check that each field shows the new value.

Prompt for your agent

Using the macos-harness repo at https://github.com/browser-use/macos-harness, read the window of <app name> with `macos-harness get_app_state --app <app name>` and set each field listed in <values file> with `macos-harness set_value`. Verify by reading the window again and reporting every field that does not match its expected value.

Caveat. By default the agent can drive any app except its own host and system password sheets, so set `ask_before_first_use = true` in policy.toml before letting it fill a real form.

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