> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.akapulu.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Testing Mode

> Run your scenario as an LLM-only, text-based simulation in the visual scenario editor.

**Testing Mode** runs your scenario as a **text-only** chat inside the scenario editor. It uses the same nodes and configuration present in the editor so you can validate flow logic before starting a real conversation.

It does **not** use microphone, camera, avatar video, or text-to-speech.

Testing sessions do **not** consume your voice or video **conversation minutes** (Testing Mode uses a separate monthly allowance instead).

## Open Testing Mode

1. Open a scenario in the editor (create or edit from **Scenarios**).
2. Open the **Scenario Menu** (side panel).
3. Select the **Testing Mode** tab (next to **Settings**).

## Runtime variables

Testing Mode includes a **runtime variables** editor (JSON object). Values here will be passed in as **`runtime_vars`** when you start a test conversation.

These variables substitute into `{{runtime.*}}` placeholders in your role instruction, task instructions, and compatible endpoint templates.

For **role vs task instructions** and how they use `{{runtime.*}}`, see [Role and task instructions](/guides/scenarios/role-and-task-instructions).

For using **`{{runtime.*}}`**, **`{{secret.*}}`**, and **`{{llm.*}}`** syntax in HTTP headers and bodies, see [Templates and variables](/guides/endpoints/templates-and-variables).

## Start a test session

1. Open a scenario in `edit` mode
2. Select `Visual` in the `Visual/JSON` Toggle in the top right.
3. Open the left side nav, select the **Testing Mode** tab, and enter **runtime variables** if needed.
4. Click **Start Conversation**.
5. You will enter a **text-based chat** with the LLM, being instructed by your scenario. Each user turn, assistant reply, and tool call/response will appear in the chat transcript as the scenario runs.

You can iterate on the scenario and test how the bot will behave before you save and run a full avatar-based conversation.

For a **full live avatar conversation** you can share without writing code, see [Hosted Links](/guides/scenarios/hosted-links).

## Monthly testing sessions

Each successful **Testing Session** counts against a **monthly quota** for LLM-only testing.

The limit depends on your [**billing plan**](https://akapulu.com/pricing).

<Note>
  Vision tools do not work in LLM only Testing Mode
</Note>

## See also

* [Scenarios overview](/guides/scenarios/overview) — how nodes, tools, and context fit together
* [Role and task instructions](/guides/scenarios/role-and-task-instructions) — `role_instruction` vs `task_instruction` and how context is built
* [Hosted Links](/guides/scenarios/hosted-links) — share a live avatar conversation without the Web SDK
* [Node basics](/guides/scenarios/node-basics) — structure of nodes and tools
* [Templates and variables](/guides/endpoints/templates-and-variables) — `runtime`, `secret`, and `llm` placeholders