Run API tests manually in Postman

In Postman, you can run your functional API tests manually to run them on demand and get results right away. Use an API request to manually run tests for a specific endpoint. Use the Collection Runner to run a test suite for a collection or folder, and even change the run order of requests.

Manual API testing gives you the flexibility to adjust your test plans based on the changing needs of your project. You can also use manual testing to investigate complex issues and find root causes and possible solutions.

Run a single test

In Postman, the basic unit of testing is an API request. Each request tests a specific piece of functionality by calling an API endpoint. You can use scripts to add test logic to a request. For example, you can write test scripts to check if the expected data is received when the request is sent.

To manually run a single test, do the following:

1. Click Items in the sidebar.
2. Click Collections, select a collection, then click a request with the test you want to run.
3. (Optional) To send the request with an environment, select it using the environment selector at the top right of the workbench.
4. Click Send.
5. Click the Test Results tab in the request’s response to view the results.

Learn more at Send a request with the Postman API client.

Run a test suite

Use Postman Collections to organize individual API requests into a test suite. Then use the Collection Runner to run the tests in the order you choose. With a Postman paid plan, you can also upload data files to run tests multiple times using different data each time.

To manually run a test suite, do the following:

1. Click Items in the sidebar.
2. Click Collections, select a collection, then click the collection or folder you want to run.
3. Click Run.
4. On the Functional tab, select Run manually.
5. (Optional) To run the collection with an environment, select it using the environment selector at the top right of the workbench.
6. Select your configuration options, such as the number of iterations you want to run.
7. Click Start run. Postman displays the test results in real time.

Learn more at Test your API using the Collection Runner.