How it works
Every scraper in Bright Data Scraper Studio performs two core operations:- Interaction: Navigating to a target URL, handling pagination, clicking elements, or sending HTTP requests
- Parsing: Reading the page content (HTML) and extracting structured fields into a defined output schema (JSON/CSV/NDJSON/JSONL)
Development modes
Bright Data Scraper Studio offers two ways to build scrapers:| Mode | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AI Agent | Describe the data you want in plain language. Bright Data AI generates a schema and writes the scraper code | No-code users, fast prototyping |
| IDE | Write and test JavaScript directly in a browser-based code editor with debugging tools | Developers who need full control |
When to use Scraper Studio vs. other Bright Data products
Use Scraper Studio when the data you need isn’t in the Datasets Marketplace, you want ownership of the scraper logic, and you don’t want to manage proxies or infrastructure yourself.| Scenario | Recommended product |
|---|---|
| Need data from a popular site with zero setup | Datasets Marketplace |
| Need a scraper built and maintained by Bright Data | Managed Services |
| Need to build a custom scraper using AI or code on Bright Data’s infrastructure | Scraper Studio |
AI Agent vs. IDE: Key trade-offs
| AI Agent | IDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Minutes — describe and run | Longer — write, test, debug |
| Code control | AI writes the code | You own every line |
| Customization | Via Self-healing tool prompts | Direct JavaScript editing |
| Best for | Fast scraper creation, non-technical users | Complex logic, multi-stage scrapers |
How to access Scraper Studio
Prerequisites: Active Bright Data account- Go to brightdata.com/cp and sign in
- In the left-hand menu, click Scrapers
- Click Scraper Studio
Don’t see Scraper Studio in the menu? Your account may not have access. Contact Bright Data support.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use AI Agent or IDE mode?
Should I use AI Agent or IDE mode?
Use AI Agent if you want to get started fast or you’re not a developer. Use Bright Data IDE mode if you need full control over scraper logic or are building complex, multi-stage scrapers.
Can I switch between AI Agent and IDE?
Can I switch between AI Agent and IDE?
Yes. Any scraper created in AI Agent mode can be opened and edited in the IDE. You can also use the Self-Healing Tool to update scrapers using plain language prompts.
What's the difference between Scraper Studio and Scrapers Library?
What's the difference between Scraper Studio and Scrapers Library?
Scrapers Library contains pre-built scrapers for popular sites. Bright Data Scraper Studio is for building custom scrapers from scratch when your target site isn’t in the library.
Do I need to manage proxies or servers?
Do I need to manage proxies or servers?
No. Bright Data Scraper Studio handles all proxy management and infrastructure automatically.
Next steps
Build with AI Agent
Build your first scraper using plain language prompts
Explore the IDE
Get to know the browser-based code editor
Worker types
Understand how Scraper Studio runs your jobs