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Print Puppeteer’s default Chrome path
With the full puppeteer package, ask Puppeteer for its default executable path:
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const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
console.log(puppeteer.executablePath());For an ES module:
import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';
console.log(puppeteer.executablePath());The value is the path to the default browser executable Puppeteer expects to use. Its exact location depends on the operating system, browser build and configuration; avoid assuming a cache subdirectory is the executable itself. See the PuppeteerNode API reference.
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Launch Puppeteer with that browser or a specific executable
Use Puppeteer’s managed browser
If you installed the full puppeteer package and its browser download is available, you can generally let Puppeteer select its default browser:
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const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
const browser = await puppeteer.launch();
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
console.log(await page.title());
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
})();Set an explicit executable path
Use executablePath when you need to choose a particular binary, such as a system-installed Chrome. Replace the example path with the value for your machine:
const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
executablePath: '/absolute/path/to/chrome',
});
try {
const page = await browser.newPage();
await page.goto('https://example.com');
} finally {
await browser.close();
}
})();executablePath is the path to the browser executable, rather than its containing folder. Puppeteer guarantees compatibility with its bundled browser, not arbitrary Chrome or Chromium builds. The launch API also recommends setting the browser property when using a custom executable. Check the current LaunchOptions interface for its supported values and details.
Check whether you installed puppeteer or puppeteer-core
The package variant changes what Puppeteer can select automatically:
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puppeteerdownloads a browser for Puppeteer to manage. ItsexecutablePath()reports the default executable path.puppeteer-coredoes not use Puppeteer configuration files or environment variables. Its launch requires eitherexecutablePathorchannel.
If your project uses Core, specify an installed browser explicitly or select a supported channel. Do not rely on a PUPPETEER_EXECUTABLE_PATH setting to configure Core. The configuration guide and PuppeteerNode reference describe these differences.
Find the managed browser cache when the path is missing
The cache root is a directory that contains browser installations; it is not itself the Chrome executable. Puppeteer’s troubleshooting guide says that, starting with v19.0.0, browser downloads default to ~/.cache/puppeteer. The PUPPETEER_CACHE_DIR environment variable can change that location. A .puppeteerrc.js file can set cacheDirectory; after changing configuration, reinstall Puppeteer for the change to take effect.
Actual executable placement beneath the cache can vary by platform and browser build. Use puppeteer.executablePath() rather than copying a presumed subpath. The browser installation API accepts platform and build ID inputs, and documents platform-dependent binary structure in its InstallOptions reference.
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Use a system-installed Chrome channel
If you specifically want a standard system installation, Puppeteer provides computeSystemExecutablePath to look up a Chrome executable for a release channel in known locations. It throws an error if Chrome is not found where expected. See the computeSystemExecutablePath API for its current signature and channel options. When launching with a non-bundled build, remember that compatibility is not guaranteed.
Troubleshoot a missing or unusable executable
“Could not find expected browser locally”
This often means the browser download did not run, rather than that the path string needs editing. Package managers can block install scripts, which prevents Puppeteer’s automatic browser download. Install the required browser manually with:
npx puppeteer browsers installThen print puppeteer.executablePath() again. Puppeteer documents this recovery in its troubleshooting guide.
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The executable path points to a directory or nonexistent file
- Print the result of
puppeteer.executablePath()and use the full returned file path, not only the cache root. - If you provide your own path, verify that the file exists and that the Node process can execute it.
- Check that the browser is installed for the same environment where the script runs. A host machine’s path may not exist inside a container or another runtime.
Chrome launches but automation behaves unexpectedly
Confirm which browser binary the launch options select. Puppeteer is tested and guaranteed against its bundled browser; other versions may not be compatible. Prefer the bundled browser for reproducible automation unless managing browsers independently is a project requirement. The installation guide explains the managed-browser approach and the alternative of supplying executablePath or a channel.
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