> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.does.qa/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.does.qa/test-steps/starter/open.md).

# Open

Open is the first [Test Step](/getting-started/terminology.md) in every Flow. It starts the browser (or [Simulated Device](/getting-started/terminology.md)), loads your URL, and sets the environment for every step that follows.

Use Open when a Test Case needs a fresh page. Use [Go to absolute URL](/test-steps/browser/go-to-absolute-url.md) or [Go to relative path](/test-steps/browser/go-to-relative-path.md) later in the Flow when you need to move to another address without restarting the browser.

![Open Test Step](https://app.does.qa/screenshots/node/starter_open.png)

## When to use it

* Start every Flow with Open so each Test Case has a clear entry URL.
* Choose **Simulated Device** when you need a named phone or tablet preset (viewport, user agent, and touch).
* Prefer Chrome, Firefox, or Edge with a Desktop or Tablet Variant for ordinary desktop and tablet layouts.

## Configure

### Basics

| Field       | What to set                                                                                         |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **URL**     | Fully qualified address, or a [Value](/values/value-store.md) that expands to one                   |
| **Runner**  | `Chrome` (default), `Firefox`, `Edge`, or `Simulated Device`                                        |
| **Variant** | Desktop and tablet sizes for Chrome/Firefox/Edge, or a named device when Runner is Simulated Device |

### Advanced

| Field                       | What to set                                          |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Language**                | Browser language for the session                     |
| **Timezone**                | Timezone for the session (`UTC` by default)          |
| **Throttle**                | Network speed simulation, or `No throttle` (default) |
| **Basic Auth**              | Turn on when the site needs HTTP Basic Auth          |
| **Username** / **Password** | Credentials when Basic Auth is on (supports Values)  |
| **Authentication Mode**     | `URL` or `Header` for how Basic Auth is applied      |
| **Headers**                 | Extra request headers as JSON                        |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro tip:** Keep environment hosts in Assets Values (for example `$BASE_URL`) so one Flow can target staging and production without editing Open each time.
{% endhint %}

## Related

* [Simulated Device](/getting-started/terminology.md)
* [Whitelisting IPs](/configuration/whitelisting-ips.md)
* [Go to absolute URL](/test-steps/browser/go-to-absolute-url.md)
* [Condition](/test-steps/runner/condition.md)
* [Starter](/test-steps/starter.md)

**Tags:** `starter`, `open`, `goto`, `browser`, `navigate`, `simulated device`