Execute test runs with Web Explorer and Desktop Explorer

Pair the TestPad with Web Explorer or Desktop Explorer to passively record your testing activity.

In addition to the step-level notes you can take with the TestPad, this lets you capture your actions in detail by recording sessions. A session is a recording of actions straight from your test, using a collection of keystrokes, screenshots, and audio or video recordings.

Choose the tool that fits your setup:

  • Web Explorer browser plug-in for Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Use it to record testing in your browser.

  • Desktop Explorer desktop application for Microsoft Windows. Use it to record testing on your desktop.

Before you start

If you're using Web Explorer, download and install the plug-in from the Web Explorer Download Center.

If you're using Desktop Explorer, download and install the application from the Download and install Desktop Explorer.

Make sure you have the permissions you need to execute test runs with Web Explorer or Desktop Explorer:

  • Create Session: Use this permission to record a new session with either Web Explorer and Desktop Explorer.

  • Execute Test Runs: Use this permission to execute test runs using the TestPad.

  • Approve Test Cases: Use this permission to approve test cases during execution, so you can execute the most recent version. Without this permission, you can only execute the most recently approved version, which may be outdated.

Run tests with Web Explorer

Web Explorer is a browser plug-in that records your activity in a browser to capture testing steps and evidence. You can install Web Explorer on Chrome or Edge.

Record a testing session with Web Explorer

To execute test runs with Web Explorer, follow these steps:

  1. Open the application you want to test in the same browser that has Web Explorer installed and qTest Manager open.

  2. Start your test run with TestPad + Web Explorer to open the TestPad and the Web Explorer dialog.

  3. Start the testing session in the Web Explorer dialog.

  4. Once you finish testing, stop the testing session.

  5. On the TestPad, enter relevant information for your testing session, such as whether the test runs passed or failed.

  6. Save your work on the TestPad to finish executing the test run.

Run tests with Desktop Explorer

Desktop Explorer is a desktop application that records your activity to capture testing steps and evidence. You can install Desktop Explorer only on Microsoft Windows.

Record a testing session with Desktop Explorer

To execute test runs with Desktop Explorer, follow these steps:

  1. Start your test run with TestPad + Desktop Explorer.

    If you haven't already, give Desktop Explorer access when your browser displays this request.

  2. Start the testing session in the Start Session dialog.

  3. Once you finish testing, stop the testing session.

  4. From here, select Complete Session to save and close the session, or select Edit Session to edit and review the session before you save and close it.

  5. On the TestPad, enter relevant information for your testing session, such as whether the test runs passed or failed.

  6. Save your work on the TestPad to finish executing the test run.

View session recordings

When you save a session in Web or Desktop Explorer, the recording is attached to the test run you complete. All sessions attached to a test run are available in the test run's Sessions tab.

To open a session recording, select the link in the ID column next to the recording you want to view. This opens the recording in the Sessions application. From here, you can review or edit the session.

What's next

After you record your testing session, you can edit the test log to update statuses, defects, or attachments.

Or, you can open a session to review and edit the recordings you made during testing.