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

# Mock Servers

> Introduction to Mock Servers in Bruno, usecase and features overview.

<Warning>
  Mock Servers are in **Beta**. Enable them under **Preferences → Beta → Mock Server**. The sidebar section appears only after you opt in.
</Warning>

Bruno can run a **mock HTTP server on your machine**, backed by a collection’s saved response examples or by an OpenAPI spec. Point any client at `http://localhost:<port>` and Bruno returns the status, headers, and body your team already defined - no cloud host, no terminal required.

## Why use Mock Servers?

Frontend and integration teams often need a stable API before the real backend is ready. Mock Servers close that gap:

* **Use what you already have** - saved examples and OpenAPI operations become mock responses with one click.
* **Stay local and git-first** - mocks live on disk next to the collection, so teammates cloning the repo get the same mocks.
* **Point any client at localhost** - browsers work out of the box (CORS is on by default).
* **Debug mismatches quickly** - a live Request Log and helpful `404` payloads show what was tried and which routes are registered.

## What you get

| Area                | Capability                                                                              |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Sidebar**         | A **Mock Servers** section listing each instance, with Rename, Clone, and Delete        |
| **Sources**         | Link a mock to a **collection**, an **API spec**, or leave it **manual**                |
| **Sync / Generate** | **Sync from examples** (collection) or **Generate from spec** (OpenAPI)                 |
| **Dashboard**       | Full-screen tab with **Responses**, **Routes**, and **Request Log**                     |
| **Runtime**         | Start / Stop, auto or pinned port, **Copy URL**, optional **global delay**              |
| **Matching**        | Method + path (with `:param` paths), plus optional **rules** on headers, query, or body |

## How it fits Bruno

Mock responses are stored with your collection, not in a hosted service. Closing Bruno stops every running mock; restarting Bruno does **not** auto-start them - you start each server deliberately so a background port is never claimed silently.

The Request Log is **in-memory only** (most recent 500 entries per server). It is a debugging aid, not an audit log.

## Share feedback

Share your feedback on Mock Servers directly on usebruno [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/usebruno/bruno/discussions/9014).

## Next steps

* [Create a mock server](./create-mock-server) - enable the beta flag, create a mock server from a collection or an API spec, then start and use the base URL
* [Run a mock server](./run-mock-server) - interface walkthrough, server controls, request log, response examples, and more.