# Create and manage projects

URL: https://testmode.ai/docs/create-and-manage-projects/

> A project holds one app's tests. Create one with its first environment and login in a single step, switch projects, change its settings or delete it.

A project holds everything Testmode needs to test one web app: its environments, credentials, variables, test cases, test plans, schedules, explorations and runs. You pick the current project in the project switcher at the top of the sidebar. Every page then shows that project.

In the examples on this page, the organization Pellbrook Digital tests the public Toolshop practice site in a project called Toolshop Storefront.

## Switch projects

[Screenshot: Project switcher for Toolshop Storefront, open below its button, with a Find project search box, a check mark on Toolshop Storefront, Brand Site Refresh, Toolshop Admin Console and Create Project. Caption: The project switcher decides which project every page shows, and creates new projects.]

1. Click the project name at the top of the sidebar.

   The switcher lists your organization's projects, newest first. A check mark shows the current one. Projects with the same name are listed separately.

2. Optionally, type part of a name into **Find project…** to narrow the list.

3. Click a project.

The app switches every page to that project. Your browser remembers the choice, so you return to the same project next time.

If you switch while viewing a single run, test plan or exploration, Testmode takes you back to the **Runs**, **Test Plans** or **Explore** list, because that page belongs to the other project.

Search, filters and grouping on **Test Cases**, **Test Plans** and **Runs** are cleared when you switch, so the new project's list starts unfiltered.

## Create a project

**Before you start:** you need the Editor role or above in the organization. Viewers don't see **Create Project** in the switcher.

1. Open the project switcher and click **Create Project**.

   The **Create new project** dialog opens.

2. Enter a **Project Name**, for example `Toolshop Storefront`.

3. Optionally add an environment and a login in the same dialog (see the next section).

4. Click **Create Project**.

Testmode shows "Project created!", makes the new project current and opens its **Overview**.

Project names do not have to be unique, so two projects can share a name. Pick names your team can tell apart.

## Add an environment and login while creating

The **Create new project** dialog can set up the basics in one go. Tick either checkbox to reveal its fields.

| Checkbox | Fields | Example for the Toolshop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Add an environment** | **Name**, **Base URL**, **Production Environment** switch | `Production`, `https://practicesoftwaretesting.com`, switched on |
| **Add login credentials** | **Name**, **Username**, **Password**, **Login URL (optional)** | `Jane Doe – demo customer`, `customer@practicesoftwaretesting.com`, the password, `https://practicesoftwaretesting.com/auth/login` |

A few things to know about this shortcut:

- The **Base URL** and **Login URL** must start with `http://` or `https://`.
- If you add both an environment and a login, the credential is scoped to that environment (**Production only** in the example) rather than **Project-wide**. Scope cannot be changed later, so add a login you want **Project-wide** under **Settings** > **Credentials** instead. See [What Scope does](https://testmode.ai/docs/credentials-and-automatic-login/#what-scope-does).
- The dialog does not set a description or a default environment. Add those later under **Settings**.

**Note: If creation fails partway**

Testmode creates the project first, then the environment, then the credential. If a later part fails, you see "Failed to create project", but the project (and possibly its environment) already exists. Finish the setup under **Settings** > **Environments** and **Settings** > **Credentials** instead of clicking **Create Project** again, which would create a second project.

## Rename a project or change its description

**Before you start:** you need the Editor role or above. Below that role, the fields are disabled and the card reads "You need the Editor role or above to change these settings."

1. Make sure the project is current in the switcher, then click **Settings** in the sidebar.

2. On the **General** tab, under **Project Details**, edit the fields you want to change (see the table below).

3. Click **Save Changes**.

Testmode shows "Project settings saved".

| Field | What it does | Toolshop example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Project Name** | The name in the switcher and on every page. It cannot be blank. | `Toolshop Storefront` |
| **Description** | An optional note about the project. | `Customer-facing Toolshop catalogue, cart, checkout and contact flows` |
| **Default test duration (minutes)** | How long a test may run before Testmode stops it, for test cases that have no **Maximum duration (minutes)** of their own. Enter a whole number from 1 to 60. Leave it empty for 15 minutes. | (empty) |

A new default duration applies to tests that start after you save, including tests already queued. A test that runs out of time fails with a reason that starts "Timed out: the test did not finish within". To give one long test more time without changing the default, set its own **Maximum duration (minutes)** instead. See [Maximum duration](https://testmode.ai/docs/write-a-test-case/#maximum-duration).

If the duration isn't a whole number from 1 to 60, the field shows "Enter a whole number between 1 and 60." Clicking **Save Changes** then reports "Default test duration must be a whole number between 1 and 60 minutes" and saves nothing.

## Delete a project

**Before you start:** you need the Owner or Admin role. The **Delete project** card appears only for those roles.

1. Make sure the project is current, then open **Settings** > **General**.

2. Under **Delete project**, click **Delete Project**.

3. Check the project name in the confirmation dialog, then click **Delete**.

Testmode shows "Project deleted" and switches you to another project in the organization, if there is one.

**Danger: Deleting a project cannot be undone**

It permanently removes the project's environments, credentials (including stored passwords), variables, test cases, test plans, schedules, explorations and runs.

## Good to know

- A project belongs to one organization. You cannot move it to another organization.
- The project switcher only shows projects in the current organization. To see another organization's projects, switch organizations first.
- New projects start empty. Nothing is copied from other projects.

## Related

  - [Environments](https://testmode.ai/docs/environments/): Add the sites your tests run against and pick a default.
  - [Credentials and automatic login](https://testmode.ai/docs/credentials-and-automatic-login/): Store test logins so tests sign in on their own.
  - [Organizations and projects](https://testmode.ai/docs/workspace-model/): How organizations and projects fit together.