Run Nightwatch tests without a visible browser by adding --headless to the Nightwatch command. For a project-local installation, a basic run is npx nightwatch --headless; to run a particular test folder, use npx nightwatch tests --headless. Nightwatch’s command-line documentation lists Chrome, Edge, and Firefox for headless launches.
Run Nightwatch headlessly
From your project directory, use the local Nightwatch runner and pass the headless flag:
npx nightwatch --headlessTo target a test folder or file, put its path on the command line:
npx nightwatch tests --headless
npx nightwatch tests/login.js --headlessThe CLI accepts a test source path or file. Add the test path and any other options your project needs; the documented headless switch launches Chrome, Edge, or Firefox without displaying a browser window. See the Nightwatch command-line test runner documentation for the current flags and syntax.
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Set up a project and browser configuration
Start a new project
For a new project, Nightwatch’s setup flow can initialize the project and generate nightwatch.conf.js:
npm init nightwatchThe setup prompts let you choose browsers, a test source folder, a base URL, and whether tests run locally, remotely, or both. Existing projects can instead configure Nightwatch directly. See Nightwatch Getting Started.
Choose settings for local and CI runs
Use named test environments when browser or infrastructure settings differ between a developer machine and CI. Select an environment with --env, and select an alternate configuration file with --config:
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npx nightwatch tests --headless --env ci
npx nightwatch tests --headless --config nightwatch.ci.conf.jsUse the environment and config names that actually exist in your project; the examples do not create those configurations. Consult Nightwatch Settings for WebDriver and environment configuration.
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Choose local WebDriver or remote testing
A headless flag controls how a browser launches; it does not by itself configure remote infrastructure or test a broad browser-and-device matrix. For a normal local run, configure WebDriver and use a supported driver process. Nightwatch’s settings guide distinguishes local WebDriver execution from Selenium-based Grid or cloud testing: Selenium is needed for the latter, not inherently for a local headless run.
| Setup | What it is for | What you need to configure |
|---|---|---|
| Local browser | Run a selected browser on the machine or CI worker executing Nightwatch. | Nightwatch, browser, and the applicable WebDriver setup. A Selenium Server is not inherently required. |
| Grid or cloud | Run against remote browser infrastructure, including when you need a separate browser matrix. | Selenium/Grid or provider connection settings and any required credentials. Nightwatch names BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, LambdaTest, and TestingBot in its settings documentation; that establishes technical relevance, not a ranking or pricing comparison. |
See Nightwatch’s settings guide for remote configuration. Headless local execution and remote browser coverage are separate choices: use the former to hide the local browser window, and the latter when your test plan calls for browsers or infrastructure beyond that local setup.
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Useful command-line options
--headlesslaunches Chrome, Edge, or Firefox in headless mode.--envselects a named test environment.--configselects a configuration file.--parallelenables parallel workers.--verboseenables extended HTTP command logging for diagnostics.
These are independent options, not prerequisites for every run. For example:
npx nightwatch tests --headless --env ci --parallelUse parallel workers only when the project and its test environment are configured for them. When investigating a failure, add --verbose to inspect HTTP command traffic. Check the CLI reference for option details and changes across releases.
Chrome in Docker: configure container arguments only when needed
For Nightwatch’s documented ChromeDriver Docker-container scenario, Chrome needs the --no-sandbox argument. Configure it through Chrome options in the Nightwatch configuration, for example:
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module.exports = {
test_settings: {
default: {
desiredCapabilities: {
browserName: 'chrome',
'goog:chromeOptions': {
args: ['--no-sandbox']
}
}
}
}
};Adapt the setting to the structure of your configuration file and existing Chrome arguments. This is a container-specific note from Nightwatch’s Chrome Driver documentation, not a universal requirement for headless Chrome on every machine.
Troubleshoot common headless-run problems
- The browser opens visibly. Confirm
--headlessis on the command actually executed, and that the selected browser and Nightwatch configuration are the ones you intended. - The command cannot find tests. Pass the correct source folder or file, such as
tests, and run the local command from the project directory. Check that the path matches your project layout. - The browser or driver does not start. Check that the browser and compatible driver setup are available to the local run, or verify the remote endpoint and credentials if using Grid/cloud. Consult Nightwatch’s settings and driver documentation for the selected browser.
- Chrome fails inside a Docker container. For the documented ChromeDriver container scenario, configure Chrome’s
--no-sandboxargument as described above; do not add it reflexively to unrelated environments. - You need more detail about a failure. Add
--verboseto show extended HTTP command logging, then use the output to distinguish command, driver, and remote-connection failures. - Local headless tests pass but coverage is insufficient. A hidden local browser does not equal a browser matrix. Configure remote Grid or cloud execution separately if the required coverage calls for it.
Or skip the browser setup
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For example, request a screenshot with cURL (see the ScreenshotNeo API documentation):
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Version and compatibility note
The Nightwatch command-line documentation displayed version 3.16.0 when reviewed for this guide. Nightwatch releases, browser behavior, and driver compatibility can change, so check the current CLI documentation and the relevant browser-driver guide when updating a project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does headless mode mean Nightwatch needs Selenium Server?
No. Selenium Server is for Grid or cloud testing; Nightwatch documents local WebDriver execution separately.
Which browsers does the documented headless flag support?
The Nightwatch CLI documentation lists Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
Does headless testing cover multiple browsers automatically?
No. The flag changes browser visibility; selecting remote infrastructure or a browser matrix is a separate configuration decision.
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