How I Write Bug Reports.
Overview
Early in my QA journey, I used to write bug reports that were either too vague or too long. Both extremes cause the same problem — developers lose time figuring out what actually went wrong. Over time, I developed a consistent template and mindset that makes my reports easier to act on. A good bug report isn't about writing a lot, it's about writing the right things. This article walks through the template I use and the thinking behind each field.
What to Verify
Before I send a bug report, I make sure it is self-explanatory. Clear enough to act on without anyone having to ask me follow-up questions. In every report I verify that it contains:
- A specific title: what broke, under what condition, and where.
- Full environment details: browser and version, OS, device type, and the app build/version under test.
- Numbered, ordered steps to reproduce, precise enough for someone unfamiliar with the feature to follow.
- Expected vs Actual result, kept clearly separate.
- Severity and Priority both filled in and not confused with each other.
- Attached evidence: a screenshot or recording, plus console or network logs when relevant.
How to Verify
Every time before I submit, I run the report through the same template checklist:
- Re-read the title. Would someone else immediately understand the scope without opening the full report?
- Reproduce it myself by following my own steps from a clean state, to confirm they actually lead to the bug.
- Compare Expected vs Actual. Make sure the gap is concrete, not an opinion.
- Check that Severity (how much damage) and Priority (how urgent) are consistent and correct.
- Confirm the evidence removes ambiguity rather than being a formality.
Testing Stack
