Desktop App

The Flutternaut desktop app is where you manage devices, create tests, and run them on emulators, simulators, and physical devices.

Installation

Download the latest version for your platform from the download page.

  • macOS — Open the DMG and drag Flutternaut to Applications
  • Windows — Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
Screenshot: Installation steps

First Launch

On first launch, the app starts the test engine and Appium server automatically. The splash screen shows startup progress:

  1. Preparing engine...
  2. Starting engine...
  3. Starting Appium...
  4. Ready — navigates to the dashboard
Screenshot: Splash screen startup sequence

You'll also be prompted to sign in or create an account. Free accounts have access to all core features.

Screenshot: Login screen

Dashboard

The dashboard gives you an overview of your testing environment: system health, Appium status, connected devices, recent test reports, and quick actions.

Screenshot: Dashboard overview

Environment Setup

The Setup screen checks that all dependencies are installed: Node.js (bundled), Appium, and platform drivers (UiAutomator2 for Android, XCUITest for iOS). Missing components can be installed with one click.

Screenshot: Environment setup screen

Device Manager

Manage all your testing devices from one place:

  • Android emulators — List, launch, and kill AVDs
  • iOS simulators — List, boot, and shutdown simulators
  • Physical devices — Auto-detected when connected via USB. Shown with a "Connected" badge

Start and stop the Appium server from the device manager toolbar.

Screenshot: Device Manager with emulators and physical devices

Config Editor

Create and save test configurations that specify:

  • Appium server URL and port
  • Platform (Android/iOS) and device
  • App path (APK or .app bundle)
  • Timeouts (global, element wait, poll interval)
  • Appium capabilities

Configs are saved to ~/Documents/FlutternautConfigs/ and can be reused across test runs.

Screenshot: Config editor with device dropdown

Running Tests

To run a test:

  1. Select a device from the dropdown
  2. Select a config file
  3. Select a test file (JSON)
  4. Click Run

The app creates an Appium session, streams live results via SSE, and shows each step's status in real-time. Failed steps include screenshots for debugging.

Screenshot: Test runner with live step results
Video: Running a full test from start to finish

Test Editor

Build tests visually with the drag-and-drop test editor. Add steps from the action picker, configure targets and values, and reorder steps. Tests are saved as JSON files.

Screenshot: Test editor with step list

AI Chat

Describe what you want to test in natural language, and the AI generates a complete test JSON. You can review and edit the generated test before running it directly from the chat.

Upload your flutternaut_keys.json (generated by flutternaut_generator) so the AI targets real elements in your app.

Screenshot: AI Chat generating a test

Reports

After each test run, a JSON report is generated with pass/fail status, duration, and failure screenshots. Browse all reports in the Reports screen with search and status filters.

Screenshot: Reports list and detail view

Settings

Configure:

  • Engine URL — Change the engine server address (default: localhost:8400)
  • AI Settings — API key and model selection
  • Account — View plan, sign out, upgrade to Pro
Screenshot: Settings screen