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

# Test Mode

> Learn how to use test mode to safely build and test your integration without affecting live data.

Blink provides a dedicated **Test Mode** to help you build, experiment, and verify your integration safely before going live. When Test Mode is active, all dashboard metrics, orders, customers, and events are strictly sandboxed.

## Toggling Test Mode

You can toggle Test Mode globally from your Blink dashboard.

1. Open the sidebar navigation.
2. At the bottom, locate the **Test Mode** toggle right above your active store selector.
3. Turn the switch **ON**.
4. You'll see a global orange banner appear at the top of the dashboard indicating that you are now viewing and interacting with simulated test data.

## API Keys in Test Mode

Blink provides two sets of API keys for each store:

* **Live Keys:** `pk_live_...` and `sk_live_...`
* **Test Keys:** `pk_test_...` and `sk_test_...`

To perform test operations via the API, simply use your `_test_` keys. Test mode API calls will generate test data (like test orders and customers) that are only visible in your dashboard when the global Test Mode toggle is ON.

## Using the Shopper API in Test Mode

If you're using the Shopper API or building a custom storefront, ensure that you pass the `pk_test_...` publishable key to your frontend client. Any checkouts generated using the test key will automatically use Stripe's test environment, allowing you to use [Stripe's test cards](https://docs.stripe.com/testing) to simulate successful or failed payments.

## Test Mode Sandboxing Rules

When the dashboard is in Test Mode, the following rules apply:

* **Analytics & Overview:** Revenue, MRR, conversion rates, and sales data are recalculated using only test volume.
* **Orders & Transactions:** Only test purchases, refunds, and failed checkout attempts are shown.
* **Customers & Subscriptions:** Only customers and subscriptions created via test API keys or test checkouts are visible.
* **Discounts:** Any coupons you create while Test Mode is ON are flagged as test coupons. They will not be accepted in live checkouts.
* **Payouts:** The Payouts dashboard will display a `$0` empty state, as payouts are not processed for test transactions.
* **Webhooks:** Webhook endpoints are strictly separated by mode. When creating an endpoint, it's assigned to your current mode. Test webhooks will only receive test events.