Automated UI testing is the process of using software tools, scripts, and QA testing automation frameworks to verify an application’s UI without manually writing UI test scripts. These tools can simulate real user interactions with a GUI and verify your application’s behavior. This practice observes how software will interact in real-world scenarios.

Doing it manually would take up a lot of time, and some defects in user interfaces can be overlooked. That is why we use UI test automation to check the visual function and usability aspects of your app’s UI.

Read this guide to learn more about how to automate UI testing through an 8 step process.

4 Benefits of Automated UI Testing

Automated UI testing comes with various benefits for the software testing lifecycle, which is why it is a preferred method in QAs now. Before we get into how to automate UI testing, let’s discuss why do we need to automate UI testing:

Speed and efficiency in testing: Automates the process of writing and executing UI test cases, which cuts down the time needed for repetitive operations, and you can test more features in less time.
Consistent results and reduced human error: Automated UI tests ensure that the same processes are followed every time, yielding results that are trustworthy and consistent.
Better integration with CI/CD pipelines: You can quickly add automated tests to your CI/CD workflows, which means that every change you make to your product is immediately tested. This speeds up the development process and enhances app performance.
Reduced testing costs: Automated testing tools save you significant time and effort in the long run. You won't have to spend as much on manual testing and maintenance because you can run tests quickly and easily.

UI Testing Automation Process with QA Frameworks

ui testing automation process

Automated UI testing process is created through a structured approach that aligns with how the application should work for the end-user. In this process, we will use UI testing tools, scripts, and frameworks that can test both visual and interactive elements of an application.

Here’s how each step of automated UI testing goes:

1) Organize Test Assets and Configure Version Control

Organizing your test assets is the first step in automating UI testing. This comprises configuration files, test scripts, and script data. You need a structured system in place to quickly manage and update your test cases.

Set up version control (e.g., Git) so that all team members can work on the tests at the same time without any problems. This also allows you to track changes and revert to previous versions when necessary.

2) Understand the Application Through Hands-On Testing

Learn how to use the app before you automate the tests. Manual exploratory testing helps you figure out how users go through your site and find the most critical paths that need to be tested.

This will help you make automated test scenarios that work well. You can make sure that your tests cover all the essential features of your app by imitating real-life situations.

3) Set Up Testing Environments and Collect Necessary Data

Set up testing environments that are as similar to your production setup as feasible to make sure your tests are accurate. This includes setting up browsers, operating systems, and devices for cross-browser testing. To help identify and resolve issues, gather information such as test execution logs, screenshots, and system states.

4) Create a Basic Validation Framework (Smoke Test)

After the environment is ready, the first step is to conduct smoke tests, which validate core features (such as login or navigation) to ensure the app is stable enough for deeper testing. This test verifies the app's basic functions, like login, navigation, and sending forms.

Smoke testing ensures that the core features of the application are functioning correctly before proceeding to more complex test cases. Before moving on to more complex test scenarios, a smoke test ensures that the main components of your applications are working perfectly.

Watch this video to learn more about what is UI testing.

5) Develop Reusable UI Action Utilities

Reusability is the key principle behind automated UI testing. Create reusable UI action utilities to save time and simplify maintenance. These are small functions or methods that perform everyday tasks, such as clicking a button, filling out a form, or verifying text. Avoid writing the same code twice and make your tests run faster by using these tools.

6) Implement and Manage Verification Methods

To make sure that the program works as it should, verification methods are extremely important. These can include checking text values, making sure elements are visible, and confirming the right page loads after an action.

Assertions are crucial for verifying that the actual output aligns with the intended output. If you manage verification techniques correctly, tests will not only work but also be easy to maintain.

7) Establish Logging and Reporting Processes

To find problems in your automated UI tests, you need to log and report them. Make sure you have a way to log test runs that records detailed information about them.

Reports should be clear and easy to read, and they should show which tests passed or failed. A strong reporting procedure will help you save time when debugging and tracking progress throughout multiple test cycles.

8) Select the Best Tool for Automating UI Testing

UI testing tools should integrate without hassle with your CI/CD pipeline, align with your app's technical stack, and be user-friendly. Look for tools that allow you to test with less code, so even non-technical team members can create tests. Selenium, Cypress, and Playwright are all good tools for testing, and each has capabilities that make it good for different types of testing.

5 Common Challenges in Automated UI Testing

There are numerous benefits to automated UI testing, but it also presents certain challenges. Here are some challenges you could have to deal with along the way.

Handling Dynamic Elements: Dynamic elements, such as pop-ups or changing IDs, can make it challenging to test a user interface. You need to treat these items differently in your test scripts. You'll have to make your selectors more flexible and ensure your tests can adapt to these changes.
Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing: Your app may display differently across various browsers and devices. You should run automated tests on different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility. This may make your test cases more complicated and require additional resources, but it's necessary to ensure that users have a consistent experience every time.
Flaky Tests: Flaky tests are tests that don't always pass or fail, often due to timing issues or environment inconsistencies. Tests like these can be frustrating and make your automated attempts less reliable. To fix this, make sure your tests are stable and can be run again and again. Avoid relying on factors such as page load times or external API calls.
Test Maintenance: Your tests should evolve as your application does. It can be challenging to maintain tests effectively if they aren't designed in a modular manner or if they rely excessively on specific UI elements. Make sure your test cases remain relevant and correct by reviewing and updating them regularly.
Handling Complex User Interactions: Some apps require users to perform complex tasks, such as dragging and dropping or employing intricate animations. It can be hard to automate these kinds of encounters. A lot of modern testing frameworks, on the other hand, can handle these kinds of operations, so be sure your framework is capable of handling these complexities.

Take Control of Your UI Testing with vStellar

Automated UI testing automatically tests a software application’s web and mobile interface with software tools and scripts that can mimic user interactions. To make this process easy—all you need is correct tools and a testing plan in place.

Struggling to find the right UI testing software? Meet vStellar!

It is a low code UI testing framework through which you can validate both mobile and web interfaces without writing lengthy code.

Even if you're not a tech expert, you can easily integrate it into your CI/CD pipeline for continuous testing. Take charge of your UI testing today and make your testing process more efficient.

Speed up and simplify UI testing with vStellar’s free plan today. Book a Demo to learn more.

FAQs

What Are UI Testing Tools?

UI testing tools are software products or applications that automate how users interact with an application and validate if the software behaves as required.

Why Should I Automate UI Testing?

Automating UI testing makes the process faster, reduces human errors, and makes sure that your program is always tested after every update or change.

Are There Open-Source UI Automation Testing Tools?

Yes, there are open-source tools like Selenium, Appium, and Cypress that help to automate UI testing.

How Do Automated UI Tests Deal With Dynamic Elements?

You can write automated UI tests that use flexible locators and dynamic waiting mechanisms to handle elements that change over time or when users interact with them.

How to Automate UI Testing with Software Testing Frameworks?

Related Blogs

Complete Guide to No Code UI Testing in 2026

What Is Website UI Testing? Complete Guide

Mastering UI Testing: Boost UI and Catch Bugs Early

News Letter

Weekly Testing Newsletter Testing News & Tips

Get Web, Cross-Browser, and Mobile UI Testing