Fix Postman Collection Limits for Free🚀
Tags: webdev, tutorial, testing, api
Published: 2023-06-19 04:26:23

If you're an avid user of Postman for API testing, you may have encountered a frustrating issue where you hit the limit for running collections. Once you've reached the limit, you'll be prompted with a message that says "You have exhausted all the runs. To keep running collections, create an account..." This can be a real hindrance to your workflow, especially if you're working on a large project or team.
Fortunately, there are some workarounds that you can use to bypass this limitation and keep running your collections smoothly.

## What is a Postman Collection
A Postman Collection is a group of requests that can be saved and shared with other users. It allows developers to organize, document, and[ automate their API testing ](https://apidog.com/blog/test-api-with-postman/)workflows in a single location. In a Postman Collection, you can include requests, tests, and scripts, making it easy to share API workflows with team members or collaborators.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j8zv8a4sg5xsovpj9tmr.png)

The Postman Collection also allows for creating custom variables, which can be used to parameterize requests and responses, enabling developers to create dynamic API tests. By using a Postman Collection, developers can streamline their API testing processes and improve their overall efficiency.

## Postman Collection Limitation
The Postman Collection Run limit refers to the number of times a collection can be executed within a given time period. This limit is imposed to prevent abuse of the Postman API and to ensure that the service remains stable for all users.
To better align with the value Postman’s test automation offers for professional testers and quality engineers, Postman made the following changes effective February 15, 2023, for free customers, and effective March 15, 2023, for new paid plan customers. Existing paid plan customers saw these limits effective upon plan renewal after March 15, 2023 (except Enterprise users, who have unlimited runs per month):

Local Collection Runner: Runs will be available with Free and Basic plans at 25 runs per month, Professional plan at 250 runs per month, and Enterprise plan at unlimited runs per month.
It's important to note that the Collection Run limit applies to all collections within an account and not just individual collections. Therefore, users with multiple collections that need frequent running may need to upgrade to a higher Postman plan to avoid hitting the Collection Run limit.

## How to Fix Postman Collection Runner Restrictions?

Many loyal users are expressing frustration with Postman's recent changes to its pricing plan. Some are calling for Postman to reconsider the changes, while others are exploring Postman alternative tools like Apidog that offer more flexibility without any restrictions on the number of runs.
Apidog is a powerful testing tool that overcomes the Collection Run limit in Postman. It offers a robust testing framework and automation features, real-time feedback, and comprehensive test reports, as well as easy integration with other testing tools. Apidog enables developers to efficiently create, test, and manage APIs without restrictions, resulting in a more productive development process.

## The Best Solution: Importing Postman into Apidog (Free & Best)

If you are also experiencing the Postman Collection Run limit, here is a sincere recommendation for the best solution. Importing collections from Postman to Apidog may seem like a challenge to you, especially for those who have been using Postman for a long time. 
However, it is important to remember that there are more advantages to using Apidog than Postman. Apidog provides a more comprehensive testing platform, simplifies the checking process, and makes it easier for developers to identify and resolve issues. Next, you will get a handy guide to quickly importing Postman collections into Apidog.
**Step 1: Export Your Postman Collection
**First, you can use your Postman collections in a different program by exporting them. By selecting the desired collection and clicking the "Export" option, you can seamlessly transfer the collection from Postman to Apidog, as shown in the screenshot below.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vz4gmtsdmqmfdvewtqne.jpg)
In this step, it is recommended that you select the second option, Collection v2.1. This is because if you export the file in the Collection v2.1 format, all queries, directories, and details about your environment will be included in the file.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b0rqw2oeforuwu3nnihh.jpg)

In addition, the exported file will include any request-specific information you may have, such as logs, query parameters, and content. Selecting the Collection v2.1 format, clicking Export, and saving the file to your computer are all necessary steps.

**Step 2: Import Collection in Apidog
**Log in to Apidog,  and import the exported file as shown in the picture, select "Settings" from the left menu and then select "Import".

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pbfpvrsjeve3t0m3ng79.png)


Select "Postman" and upload file from downloads. Upload output data source from Postman. Click “Confirm” button.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fqjk047m49p25081j2az.jpg)

After a few simple steps above, you can now see and control the collections you have imported in Apidog. Adding, updating and deleting requests is easy. You can also group requests into folders.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/27c2rzjbwm986c2z2f0b.png)


**Step 3: Review Collection and Update 
**Collaboration and content management within teams become more efficient when using Apidog. It allows for discussions, additions, and modifications to the collection, making it ideal for large projects with multiple participants. This streamlined process accelerates development and ensures data consistency among team members.
Additionally, Apidog's version control feature provides a reliable backup and facilitates easy switching between different collection versions. With Apidog, you can conveniently edit and update API information, as depicted in the image below.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/q3kol5mcto8duaollauv.jpg)

**Step 4: Test Your Collection
**After importing the collection into Apidog, you can perform other operations, such as testing
Test your collection with different data inputs, authentication techniques, and API versions. Ensure proper error handling in the "Testing environment" section. 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/wd8pialx8r5aqppfh0at.jpg)

Access test results in Apidog's "Test Reports" section.

![Image description](test-reports.png)
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/sbrospzvj05gg3nhbcm6.jpg)

**Step 5: Deploy Your Collection
**After testing, use the "Run" button to publish your data to the API. Deploy your API to testing, development, or production environments. Utilize cloud platforms like Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, or Amazon Web Services (AWS) for scalability and reliability. Maintain an up-to-date API using a CI/CD pipeline.

![Image description](deploy-your-collection.png)

With Apidog, you can collaborate, simulate API requests, and troubleshoot efficiently for faster development. These features improve communication, streamline workflows, and ensure reliable and scalable APIs.