Testmo gives you several ways to add test cases to your repository, from a detailed dialog that captures all case properties at once to a quick inline bar for rapid entry. Each method suits a different workflow.
You can add test cases by:
- Using the + Case button to open a full creation dialog
- Using the Add new case bar at the bottom of the case list for fast name-only entry
- Importing from a CSV or Excel file
- Using AI to generate test cases automatically
- Creating cases programmatically through the REST API
Using the + Case Button
The + Case button opens a dialog where you can fill in all the properties of a new test case before saving it.
This is the best choice when you want to capture details such as steps, custom fields, tags, or linked issues at the time of creation.
To add a case using this method:
- Navigate to your project's repository and select the folder where you want the case to go.
- Click the + Case button in the repository toolbar.
- In the Add case dialog, confirm or change the Template (this controls which fields are shown). If you change the template after entering content, field visibility will update.
- Enter a Case name (required).
- Set the State (required). The default states are Draft, Under Review, Rejected, Active, and Retired. States help you track the lifecycle of a case, for example, marking it as Under Review while someone checks it, and moving it to Active once approved.
- Optionally fill in Estimate, Configurations, Issues, Tags, Attachments, and any custom fields shown for the selected template.
- Click Add case to save.
If you need to create several cases in the same folder, check the Add another case checkbox before clicking Add case. The dialog will reopen immediately after each save so you can continue adding cases without reopening it manually.
Choosing a Template
Testmo ships with three built-in case templates:
- Case (text): uses a plain text or rich-text field for steps. Suitable for short or freeform instructions. This is the default template for new projects.
- Case (steps): uses a structured step list where each step is an individual record. By default, each step has a single text field for the action. Admins can enable up to four sub fields per step (such as Expected Result or Data) from Admin > Fields > Steps. During test execution, each step can be assigned its own result status independently, giving you granular visibility into exactly which step failed. See Test Case Steps for full details on configuring sub fields.
- Case (BDD): uses Gherkin syntax (Given/When/Then) for behavior-driven test cases. Ships pre-installed alongside the other two templates. See BDD & Gherkin for more.
The template selected in the dialog determines which custom fields are shown.
Using the Add New Case Bar
The Add new case bar appears at the bottom of the case list when you are in the Folder view. It lets you create a case by entering only a name; all other fields are populated with their defaults and can be filled in later.
To add a case using this method:
- Click the Add new case input bar at the bottom of the case list.
- Type the case name.
- Press Enter or click Add.
The case is created immediately with the project's default template and default state. To add details, open the case and click Edit. This method is useful for quickly outlining a set of test case names before filling in step-by-step details later.
Importing From CSV or Excel
You can bulk-import test cases from a CSV or Excel file using the Import option in the repository toolbar. This is the recommended approach when migrating from another tool or populating a large number of cases at once.
See Importing CSV/Excel for full instructions.
Using the REST API
The Testmo REST API lets you create test cases programmatically. The POST /api/v1/projects/{project_id}/cases endpoint accepts between 1 and 100 cases per request and supports all case fields including custom fields, tags, issues, and automation links.
See Cases in the API Reference for the full endpoint documentation.
Using AI to Generate Test Cases
Testmo can automatically generate test cases from requirements using its built-in AI feature. Generated cases are added directly to the repository, tagged with AI, and linked to their originating requirement.
See AI Generated Test Cases for full details.