# GraphQL Playground

An in-browser GraphQL client: write queries and variables, send them to any GraphQL endpoint, and inspect formatted JSON results or error arrays — perfect for iterating on schemas during development

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/graphql-playground

- **Category:** Development

- **Keywords:** graphql, graphql playground, graphql client, gql, query, mutation, introspection, api explorer, graphiql, relay, apollo

## Overview

The GraphQL Playground is an interactive, in-browser client that allows you to write queries and mutations, configure variables and headers, and send requests directly to any GraphQL endpoint to inspect formatted JSON responses or error arrays.

## Inputs

- **GraphQL Endpoint** (text): https://api.example.com/graphql
- **Query** (textarea)
- **Variables (JSON)** (textarea): { "id": "1" }
- **Headers** (textarea): Authorization: Bearer token x-api-key: xxx

## When to use

- When you need to test and debug GraphQL queries or mutations against a live API endpoint without writing code.
- When you want to inspect the structure of returned JSON payloads or troubleshoot GraphQL error arrays during schema development.
- When you need to verify API authentication headers or test query variables dynamically in a sandbox environment.

## How it works

- Enter the target GraphQL API URL in the Endpoint field and add any required authentication headers.
- Write your GraphQL query or mutation in the Query editor, and define dynamic parameters in the Variables section.
- Click the send button to execute the request and view the formatted JSON response or error details in real time.

## Use cases

- Testing public GraphQL APIs to understand their schema and data structures before integration.
- Debugging complex queries with dynamic variables and custom headers during backend development.
- Verifying error handling by sending malformed queries or invalid variables to the endpoint.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use this tool with local GraphQL servers?

Yes, you can target local endpoints like http://localhost:4000/graphql as long as your browser can access them and CORS is configured.

### How do I pass authentication tokens to my GraphQL endpoint?

Enter your credentials in the Headers field using standard HTTP header format, such as Authorization: Bearer .

### What format should I use for query variables?

Variables must be written in valid JSON format, matching the variable names defined in your GraphQL query.

### Does this client support GraphQL mutations?

Yes, you can execute both queries and mutations by writing them in the Query editor.

### What happens if my query contains syntax errors?

The playground will return the GraphQL error array containing details about the syntax or validation issues.

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