Smart Archiving for Test Runs & Plans

TestRail 10.1 introduced smart closing and archiving, helping administrators manage large volumes of Test Runs and Plans by applying lifecycle rules based on on their status and age. These controls help reduce manual maintenance, improve performance, and keep projects organized as testing activity grows.

How smart archiving management works

With smart archiving, TestRail applies the following rules:

1. Automatic closing
   • Test Runs and Plans are automatically closed after a configurable period of time based on their create date.
   • By default, items are closed after 180 days.
2. Automatic archiving
   • Closed Test Runs and Plans are automatically archived after a configurable timeframe following closure.
   • By default, items are archived after 90 days.

Lifecycle actions are applied automatically to eligible items that meet the configured criteria.

Archived status

Archived Test Runs and Plans represent the final stage of their lifecycle. Archived items:

• Are locked and cannot be edited
• Are excluded from reports (Print Reports are still available)
• Remain searchable and viewable for historical reference
• Can be reused using the Re-run option to create new Test Runs or Plans

Configuring automatic closing and archiving

To configure lifecycle automation, navigate to Administration > Site Settings > User Interface. From there, you can:

• Set how long after the create date Test Runs and Plans are automatically closed
• Define how long closed items remain active before being archived

Best Practices

• Choose closing periods that align with how long runs typically remain active
• Review reporting needs before adjusting archiving periods, as archived items are excluded from reports
• Use archiving to keep active project views focused and manageable