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SocketLab Documentation

Everything you need to know about testing WebSocket connections

Quick Start

1. Create a Connection

Click New Connection in the left sidebar, enter a name and WebSocket URL (starts with ws:// or wss://).

2. Connect to Server

Select your connection from the list, then click Connect in the center panel.

3. Send Messages

Type your message in the input area and click Send or press ⌘↵.

Managing Connections

Saving Connections

Save up to 5 connections for quick access. Saved connections persist in your browser.

  • Click New Connection to create
  • Click Edit (pencil icon) to modify
  • Click Delete (trash icon) to remove

Connection Requirements

Name: Any descriptive name for your connection

URL: Must start with ws:// (insecure) or wss:// (secure)

Testing Your Connection

Use this free public echo server to test:

wss://echo.websocket.org

Message Templates

Creating Templates

Save frequently used messages as templates. Store up to 10 templates.

  1. Click New Template in the right sidebar
  2. Enter a name and your message content
  3. Click Save Template

Using Templates

Click Use Template on any saved template to load it into the message input. You can edit it before sending.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Send message⌘ + ↵
Send message (Windows/Linux)Ctrl + ↵

Message History

Viewing Messages

All sent and received messages appear in the center panel with:

  • Direction indicator (↑ sent, ↓ received)
  • Timestamp
  • Automatic JSON formatting

Actions

  • Copy: Click the copy icon on any message
  • Export: Download all messages as JSON
  • Clear: Remove all messages from history

Note: Message history is limited to the last 100 messages and is cleared when you close the browser.

Connection Status

Disconnected

Not connected to any server. Select a connection and click Connect.

Connecting...

Attempting to establish connection. Connection timeout is 10 seconds.

Connected

Successfully connected. You can now send and receive messages.

Error

Connection failed. Check your URL and network, then try again.

Data Storage

All data is stored locally in your browser using localStorage. Nothing is sent to external servers.

  • Saved connections (max 5)
  • Message templates (max 10)
  • Theme preference

Important: Clearing your browser data will delete all saved connections and templates.

Troubleshooting

Connection timeout

Server took too long to respond. Check the URL is correct and the server is running.

Connection failed

Unable to connect. Verify the WebSocket URL format (ws:// or wss://) and check your network connection.

Can't save connection

Maximum 5 connections allowed. Delete an existing connection to add a new one.

Can't save template

Maximum 10 templates allowed. Delete an existing template to add a new one.

Need more help? Report an issue