File upload

File upload

Upload a file during your automated tests

Many user interactions involve file uploads. Whether users are adding profile pictures, submitting attachments, importing data, or uploading documents, validating that these flows work reliably is an essential part of end-to-end testing.

The File Upload step allows your test to choose and upload any file directly through your application’s user interface. Instead of bypassing the UI or relying on hidden APIs, this step interacts with the file selector in the browser just as a real user would.

This ensures your automation covers the real behaviour users experience when working with files.

True browser interaction

Uploading files via automation can be tricky in some frameworks. Traditional approaches sometimes require custom scripts, driver tricks, or internal hacks that increase maintenance.

With DoesQA, file upload is a first-class action inside the visual test builder. When you add this step, your test:

  • Opens the file selector

  • Chooses the file you specify

  • Submits the file through the UI

  • Continues the flow without manual intervention

This keeps your tests clean, reliable, and easy to maintain.

Common scenarios where file upload matters

The File Upload step is useful in a wide range of contexts, such as:

  • Profile photo uploads

  • Product image submissions

  • Document attachments in support forms

  • Importing spreadsheets or CSV data

  • Uploading PDFs for verification

  • Adding media assets to content

Because the step interacts with the application just like a user would, you validate both client-side and server-side logic in one action.

Combine with post-upload assertions

Uploading a file is rarely the final action. Most applications respond in meaningful ways after an upload. After this step, you can continue your test to:

  • Assert that a success message appears

  • Confirm a preview of the uploaded file is shown

  • Validate image resizing or thumbnail creation

  • Check that restrictions (like file type or size limits) are enforced

  • Interact with the file entry in a list or gallery

By chaining upload and assertion steps, your tests verify both input and outcome.

Work with dynamic files and integration steps

DoesQA makes file upload more powerful when combined with other capabilities:

  • You can upload files generated during the run (such as dynamically created images)

  • You can upload the last file downloaded earlier in the flow

  • Integration with SFTP upload and checks lets you test backend file workflows

This allows full end-to-end coverage of systems that rely on file exchange, not just UI interaction.

Reduce maintenance without sacrificing depth

In many traditional automation setups, file upload adds complexity. You might need custom helpers, separate asset management, or brittle logic that breaks when files change.

With DoesQA’s built-in File Upload step, you avoid this. The action works consistently, treats files as first-class inputs, and keeps your flows readable inside the visual designer.

This improves:

  • Maintainability

  • Understandability

  • Test reliability

  • Collaboration across teams

When your product’s workflows depend on file input, automating uploads ensures you catch issues early and confidently.