> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.testfirst.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.testfirst.com/manual-testing-app/exploratory-testing.md).

# Exploratory Testing

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h3>From Ideas to Coverage — Instantly</h3><p>Exploratory Test Sessions let you <strong>create tests while you execute them manually</strong>.</p><p>No setup. No prewritten cases.<br>Just start testing, and build coverage as you go.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Before You Start

* Available only in the **Manual Testing App**

{% hint style="info" %}
You can download the **TestFirst Manual Testing App** from the **Utilities Pack** available in the TestFirst web application.

1. Open the TestFirst web application.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the left navigation panel.
3. Click **Utilities Pack** and download the installer.
4. Install and launch the **TestFirst Manual Testing App**.
   {% endhint %}

* Requires **Run** permission for **Exploratory Testing**

{% hint style="info" %}
Get the **Manual Testing App** from the **Utilities Pack** link in the web app's bottom-left panel.

<img src="/files/X1QopKUMTZSWDhLwgQNZ" alt="" data-size="original">
{% endhint %}

### Start an Exploratory Test Session

You can start a session from:

* Open the **Manual Testing App** and go to **Exploratory Testing**
* Click **Run Exploratory Test** to begin

### Test While You Think

The session works like a normal manual test execution — with one key difference:

👉 You can **write steps as you test**

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### For Each Step

* Add a **Precondition** *(optional)*
* Describe the **Action**
* Define the **Expected Result**
* Set the status (**Pass / Fail**)
* Attach **screenshots** if needed

💡 Use Markdown for clarity and structure.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Capture Results Instantly

Every action you take becomes structured test data.

* Steps are recorded as you write
* Results are captured in real time
* Failures can be turned into **bug reports** immediately
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### End the Session

When you're done:

1. Click **End Session**
2. Provide test details:
   * Title
   * Project
   * An optional hierarchy (Suite / Section / Subsection)
   * Optional Test Plan
3. Save
   {% endstep %}
   {% endstepper %}

#### What Happens Next

* Your session becomes a **test case**
* The results are preserved
* It is added to a **Test Plan** (or a new one is created)

👉 From exploration → structured coverage in one flow

***

### Pause Anytime

Not finished?

* Click **Stop**
* Save as draft

You can **resume or discard it** later from the **Exploratory Tests** section.

***

### Summary

* Exploratory tests help you test without preparation
* Capture coverage in real time
* Turn exploration into reusable test cases
* Report issues instantly

Exploratory testing removes friction between **thinking, testing, and documenting**.

You don’t just test — you **build coverage as you go**.