Has anyone successfully used Camoufox recently?
Posted by pedritoold@reddit | Python | View on Reddit | 4 comments
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to test Camoufox for browser automation purposes, but I'm confused about the installation and behavior of the open-source version.
A minimal script like this:
from camoufox import Camoufox
p = Camoufox()
print(p.args)
throws this error:
AttributeError: 'Camoufox' object has no attribute 'args'
Also, the build instructions mention “private patches” protected by a password (CAMOUFOX_PASSWD), but there is no public documentation explaining what this is for, how to obtain it, or whether it's required.
Before spending more time compiling it manually or setting up Docker, I wanted to ask:
• Has anyone here successfully used Camoufox recently?
• Is this error expected in the open-source build?
• Is the project still maintained?
• Has anyone built it from source without needing that password?
I'm not trying to bypass anything — just trying to understand whether Camoufox is usable and maintained for legitimate automation/testing. Thanks!
caprine_chris@reddit
I use Camoufox regularly for work. I don’t think you can initialize it that way, you need to use it as a context manager. I install it via
uvjust fine without needing to build it myself.Scared_Sail5523@reddit
It sounds like you're running into issues getting the open-source Camoufox working for your browser automation tests. That AttributeError: 'Camoufox' object has no attribute 'args' is not expected in a basic, functional build, suggesting a potential problem with your installation or an unmaintained version. The mention of "private patches" secured by a CAMOUFOX_PASSWD strongly indicates that the fully functional, fingerprint-spoofing core features of Camoufox are likely reserved for a commercial or private build, which may explain why the open-source version seems unusable or broken. While the project appears to be actively used by some in the anti-detection space, the open-source GitHub repository often falls behind and may not be currently maintained or fully feature-complete for legitimate public use. Therefore, before investing more time in manual compilation, you should assume that building it without the password will likely result in a broken or non-functional version for advanced automation. You should look for alternative, better-maintained projects like Puppeteer or Playwright for reliable, legitimate browser automation testing.
Dangerous_Fix_751@reddit
I haven't tried Camoufox specifically but i've been down this rabbit hole with browser automation tools. The password-protected patches thing sounds sketchy - usually means they're trying to monetize the "real" version while keeping an open source facade.
For what it's worth, we ended up building our own browser automation at Notte since we needed something super reliable for AI agents. The existing tools kept breaking or getting detected.. especially when sites update their anti-bot measures.
Maybe try Playwright or Selenium with undetected-chromedriver? Less headache than dealing with semi-abandoned projects. Though honestly browser automation is getting harder every year - sites are getting way better at detecting bots.
Stijndcl@reddit
The maintainer was hospitalized earlier this year and hasn’t been able to work on it for a while