FAQ
This FAQ is written for the open-source Docker and SDK workflow.
Docker
Port 8080 Is Already In Use
Map the container to a different host port:
Then use http://localhost:3000 as the sandbox base URL.
The Browser Does Not Start
Make sure the container has enough memory and that it is started with the recommended seccomp option:
If you run in a restricted container runtime, also check whether Chromium sandboxing or shared-memory limits need additional runtime flags.
SDK And API
The SDK Cannot Connect
Check that the base URL points to the host port you mapped:
How Should Errors Be Handled?
Handle errors in layers:
- Non-2xx HTTP responses indicate transport, validation, auth, or server errors.
- A JSON response with
success: falseindicates a tool-level failure. - Execution APIs can also report domain fields such as
status,exit_code, or stderr output.
See Error Handling for the recommended pattern.
Browser
Screenshots Work But Browser Automation Fails
Check whether the page is fully loaded, whether the target element is visible, and whether the automation method matches your task. Use CDP or page APIs for DOM-level automation, and GUI actions for visual desktop-level interaction.
Where Do Downloads Go?
Chromium downloads normally land in the user downloads directory, such as /home/gem/Downloads. Use the file API to inspect or retrieve downloaded files.
MCP
Do I Need A Separate MCP Server?
No. AIO Sandbox exposes an aggregated MCP endpoint at /mcp. You can connect an MCP-compatible client directly to that endpoint.
Why Are Some Low-Level Browser Tools Hidden?
The MCP endpoint focuses on commonly used tools by default. Prefer the documented browser APIs or high-level MCP tools unless you need low-level CDP behavior.
Customization
How Do I Preinstall Dependencies?
Build a custom image from the public AIO Sandbox image and install your packages in the Dockerfile. For runtime-only setup, use lifecycle hooks described in AIO Hooks.
How Do I Set A Default Workspace?
Set WORKSPACE when starting the container. See Workspace.