Use a URL-Based Cross-Browser Test
Use a URL-based cross-browser test when webmate only needs to open one or more URLs and compare the rendered pages across browsers. This is useful for checking layout differences without writing Selenium code.
For scripted cross-browser tests, use the SDK workflow described in Compare Layouts Programmatically . For a broader visual testing workflow, see Compare the Layout in Different Browsers .
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- access to a webmate project,
- permission to start tests in that project,
- at least one URL that is reachable from the webmate test infrastructure,
- and compatible browsers or device slots available for the project.
If the dialog shows No compatible browsers found, the project does not currently provide a browser that can be used for the selected template. Ask a project administrator to check the project’s slots, browser availability, or test template configuration.
Open the Test Dialog
Open the project where the test should run.
Click Quick Start in the top bar. webmate opens the Select Test dialog with manual and automated test options.
In the Automated Tests section, select Default Cross-Browser Test or a custom cross-browser template. webmate opens the configuration dialog for the selected template.
Enter the URLs
In URL List, enter the first URL in URL 1. Use the full URL, including the protocol, for example https://example.test (opens in a new tab) .
Click Add URL when you want the same browser selection to visit additional pages. Use multiple URLs when the same layout check should run across several entry points, such as a home page, login page, and product page.
Select the Browsers
Choose the Reference Browser first. This is the browser that webmate treats as the expected rendering.
Then configure Cross-Browsers. These browsers are compared against the reference browser. Use Add Cross Browser when you want to compare more than one browser against the reference.
Open Show advanced selection if you need to choose a specific platform, browser version, or less common browser option.
Configure Advanced Settings
Open Show advanced settings when the page needs preparation before the comparison.
Use Pre-Test Steps for simple setup actions. Each setup step visits a URL and clicks one or more page element targets before the screenshot is captured. This is useful for accepting or declining cookie banners, opening a stable page state, or closing introductory overlays.
Use Browser Automation when the template supports additional browser actions.
Use Basic Auth Data when the tested URL is protected by HTTP Basic Authentication. Treat these credentials like test secrets and only use dedicated test accounts.
Start and Review the Test
Click EXECUTE TEST after the URL list and browser selection are complete.
webmate starts a test execution and opens the results when the run is available. The result view shows the tested URLs and browsers, screenshots for each browser, and the visual differences that webmate detected.
If you want to save a recurring setup, create a custom test template as described in Manage Test Templates . A template can store the browser selection and other defaults so future runs only need the values that change, such as the URL.