UI Browser
UI Browser is a macOS accessibility and GUI scripting tool for exploring, inspecting, and controlling app interface elements.
What is UI Browser?
UI Browser is a native macOS developer utility for working with application user interfaces through Apple Accessibility and AppleScript GUI scripting. It helps scripters, testers, and automation users inspect windows, menus, buttons, and other interface elements exposed by running Mac apps. The app is commonly used to discover UI hierarchies, generate references to interface objects, and assist with scripts that automate apps without direct scripting support. It also supports monitoring and interacting with interface elements, which is useful when building repeatable automation workflows or troubleshooting GUI scripts. UI Browser was published by William Cheeseman and is primarily aimed at advanced Mac users who work with scripting and accessibility-based automation.
Key features
- Inspect app windows, menus, buttons, and other accessibility elements
- Browse the UI hierarchy of running macOS applications
- Generate references for AppleScript GUI scripting workflows
- Monitor interface elements while testing automation steps
- Interact with accessible UI controls for scripting and troubleshooting
- Assist with automation for apps that lack direct script support
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
UI Browser is a legitimate macOS automation tool, but its purpose involves inspecting and interacting with other apps through Accessibility features. That level of access is normal for GUI scripting tools, yet it can expose interface content from apps you use while the tool is active. Keep it only if you use Mac automation or UI inspection, and grant accessibility access thoughtfully through macOS privacy settings.
Recommendation: Keep UI Browser if you actively create or maintain AppleScript or accessibility-based automation on your Mac. If you no longer use GUI scripting, you can remove it to reduce clutter and revoke any accessibility permission you previously granted.
Common paths
/Applications/UI Browser.app
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/UI Browser
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.pfiddlesoft.uibrowser.plist
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