Automation testing continues to evolve rapidly, with new tools emerging to meet modern software development needs. While most automation frameworks rely on object locators, DOM structures, or APIs, there is one tool that breaks the conventional approach and uses something far more intuitive: images. This sikuli Automation Tool is called Sikuli.
Sikuli Automation Tool is a powerful open-source automation tool that automates tasks by visually recognizing elements on the screen. Instead of relying on code-only interactions, Sikuli interacts with applications by detecting images, screenshots, and visual UI components, making it highly effective for automating desktop applications, legacy systems, Flash interfaces, games, and environments where traditional locators fail.
This article offers a complete guide to the Sikuli Automation Tool, its features, benefits, architecture, real-world applications, installation steps, and how learners from QA software testing courses can integrate it into their skillset.
Introduction: Why sikuli Automation Tool Matters in Modern Testing
Many software testing tools struggle in environments where UI elements are not accessible through HTML, XPath, or object properties. These include:
- Legacy ERP applications
- Desktop-based forms
- Flash or Silverlight UIs
- Games and graphical simulations
- Remote desktops and virtualized environments
- Non-standard UI components
- Images, icons, or custom graphics
sikuli Automation Tool solves this challenge using image recognition. It allows testers to automate anything they can see on the screen. This unique capability makes Sikuli essential for testers working with diverse platforms where conventional test automation does not work.
Testers undergoing QA software testing courses often find Sikuli useful when they need a versatile tool that bridges the gap between web, desktop, and graphical UI testing.
What is Sikuli?
Sikuli is an open-source automation tool developed initially at MIT. The tool uses image recognition powered by OpenCV, enabling it to:
- Identify UI components based on screenshots
- Perform mouse clicks, drag-and-drop actions, typing, and scrolling
- Handle dynamic and difficult-to-identify UI elements
- Interact with any visible application on a Windows, macOS, or Linux screen
Unlike Selenium or Appium, which depend on the structure of a UI, Sikuli works purely on visuals. This visual-based approach makes it extremely flexible and ideal for cross-technology automation.
Key Features of Sikuli Automation Tool
sikuli Automation Tool comes packed with features that simplify the automation of complex or graphic-heavy UIs. Some of its standout features include:
a. Visual Image Recognition
sikuli Automation Tool uses pattern matching to identify UI elements. It only needs a screenshot, which the tester captures and saves in the script.
b. Cross-Platform Compatibility
Supports:
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
c. Scripting with Python (Jython)
SikuliX uses Jython, enabling Python-like scripts with Java integration.
d. Full Control Over Mouse and Keyboard Actions
It can simulate:
- Mouse clicks
- Double-clicks
- Right-clicks
- Hover
- Drag and drop
- Keyboard input
- Function keys
- Special key combinations
e. Integration With Other Automation Tools
Sikuli can be integrated with:
- Selenium
- Robot Framework
- JUnit
- Jenkins
- Appium
f. Automating Non-HTML Applications
Sikuli can automate not just web apps but also:
- Desktop apps
- Games
- Virtual machines
- Terminal windows
- Video players
- Image editors
- Remote browsers
This wide compatibility sets it apart from most automation tools taught in Quality assurance testing courses.
How Sikuli Works: Understanding the Architecture
At the core of Sikuli is its robust Image Recognition Engine, powered by OpenCV.
a. Sikuli IDE
The Sikuli IDE allows testers to:
- Capture screenshots for automation
- Write scripts
- Run tests
- Debug issues
b. Sikuli Script
These scripts contain the code and associated images. The scripting is simple and Python-like.
Example:
click("login_button.png")
type("username_field.png", "john123")
type("password_field.png", "password123")
click("submit.png")
c. Image Processing Engine
Sikuli compares the stored screenshot with the current screen and finds the closest match.
d. Java Runtime Environment
Sikuli runs on JRE since SikuliX is built using Java.
Advantages of Sikuli Automation Tool
1. Automates Anything Visible
If you can see it on the screen, Sikuli can automate it.
2. No Dependency on Locators
It eliminates challenges like:
- Hidden elements
- Unstable XPath locators
- Dynamic UI components
- Non-accessible objects
- Shadow DOM issues
3. Easy to Learn
Anyone with basic scripting knowledge can use Sikuli. This is why it is often included in QA software testing courses.
4. Works Well on Legacy and Desktop Apps
Many enterprise systems still rely on old UIs. Sikuli supports them effortlessly.
5. Highly Useful for Game Testing
Game testers use Sikuli to automate actions in games that rely heavily on visuals.
6. Integrates With CI/CD Pipelines
It works well with Jenkins, GitHub Actions, and other CI tools.
Limitations of sikuli Automation Tool
a. Sensitive to UI Changes
If the UI changes slightly, the image match may fail.
b. Requires Stable Screen Resolution
Tests depend heavily on screen size and display settings.
c. Not Ideal for Responsive Web Testing
Different screen sizes make image matching difficult.
d. Slower Compared to Selenium
Image recognition takes more time compared to locator-based automation.
e. Requires Image Management
Testers must maintain a library of screenshots.
How to setup sikuli automation tool:
- Visit the website http://www.sikulix.com/
- Download the sikulixsetup.jar
- Keep it in an empty folder where you want keep all your sikulix files.
- Java should be installed for this tool to run.
- Run the jar, (install the pack 1)
- Sikuli will then proceed to setup.
The Interface
sikuli Automation Tool comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). Sikuli’s IDE is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
We work with patterns as we can specify an image and a location to click. Patterns are the primary object we use in the series and patterns contain an image and information about that image ie. size, similarity and target offset.
Simple task to create a script
Create a script that opens the calculator app and ads 1+1 together.
Lets open sikuli IDE:
This IDE is opened by clicking the file sikullix.cmd
In the left side of the IDE we have different options like Find, Mouse actions and Keyboard actions.
Select the events from the given options one by one then it will allow selecting the image of the required command. Add one by one image according to the task. Using the left options select the click option. It will allow us to select the image. Then select the start button drag it to the IDE.
Then in the next line drag the calculator button as image by opening the application calculator. Drag the required keys for the operation one by one. Save and run the application.
We can also view the code in html code the sikuli creates the code of selected image in the html form.
When we open the file the actual script is created.
Practical uses of Sikuli
- Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
- It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
- It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
- Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
- Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Sikuli Automation Examples
Here are some real test cases automated using Sikuli.
1. Automating Login on Desktop Application
click("username.png")
type("john123")
click("password.png")
type("mypassword")
click("login_button.png")
2. Drag and Drop Action
dragDrop("source.png", "destination.png")
3. Clicking a Button Using Image Similarity
click(Pattern("submit.png").similar(0.85))
4. Waiting for Image to Appear
wait("loading_complete.png", 20)
5. Automating a Game Action
if exists("enemy.png"):
click("attack.png")
These examples demonstrate how easily Sikuli can automate even the most visual workflows.
Real-World Use Cases of Sikuli
a. Enterprise Legacy Application Testing
Many large companies use old systems without modern APIs or locators. Sikuli is perfect for this scenario.
b. GUI Automation for Desktop Apps
Tools like:
- Photoshop
- Excel
- ERP systems
can be automated using visual scripting.
c. Gaming Applications
Automating repetitive game actions, screenshots, or visual events.
d. Virtual Machine & Remote Desktop Testing
When you don’t have control over the backend, Sikuli works by visually reading the screen.
e. E-learning and Simulation Tool Testing
Interactive training modules often rely on custom graphics that Sikuli can easily detect.
f. Automating Installers and Setup Wizards
Most installers do not expose UI elements only Sikuli can automate them reliably.
How Sikuli Automation Tool Fits Into QA Learning Program
Students enrolled in QA software testing courses or Quality assurance testing courses benefit from Sikuli as part of their automation learning path.
Why?
Because it:
- Expands their automation capabilities beyond Selenium
- Prepares them for real enterprise environments
- Helps automate desktop, legacy, and hybrid apps
- Builds their confidence in solving non-standard automation problems
- Makes them versatile automation engineers
Learning Sikuli gives testers a competitive edge, especially in industries using legacy systems or graphical-based software.
Best Practices for Using Sikuli Automation Tool
To get the most accurate results, follow these best practices:
Use High-Quality Screenshots
Clear images reduce recognition errors.
Crop Only the Required Portion
Do not capture the entire screen focus on the button or element.
Maintain a Standard Resolution
Run tests on machines with identical screen settings.
Use Similarity Scores
Add tolerance for slight UI differences.
Use Wait Conditions
Avoid false failures by using wait() or exists() functions.
Organize Images in Folders
Group images logically for easy maintenance.
Combine Sikuli With Selenium for Hybrid Testing
Use Selenium for web elements and Sikuli for visual/graphic elements.
Future of Sikuli Automation Tool
Even though Selenium dominates the test automation industry, Sikuli continues to stay relevant because:
- Desktop applications are still widely used
- Legacy systems cannot always be upgraded
- Games and simulations require visual automation
- UI testing for graphical applications remains important
As more organizations adopt mixed technology stacks, testers with Sikuli skills will continue to be in demand.
Conclusion
Sikuli Automation Tool is one of the most versatile automation tools available today. Its ability to automate using image recognition makes it invaluable in environments where traditional automation tools fail.
Whether you are working with desktop applications, legacy software, games, simulations, or visually-intensive UIs, Sikuli Automation Tool provides a robust, flexible, and powerful automation solution.
Learners from QA software testing courses and Quality assurance testing courses will find Sikuli an essential addition to their automation toolkit expanding their capabilities and preparing them for real-world testing challenges.
By mastering Sikuli Automation Tool testers become more adaptable, resourceful, and capable of handling any automation scenario that comes their way.
15 Responses
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows ,mac, Linux.
Practical uses of Sikuli
1. Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2. It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3. It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4. Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5. Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
1. It is an open source tool.
2. One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3. The windows applications automated easily.
Some sikuli methods are:
1. Creating object for screen class: The screen is the base class provided by sikulli.We need to create the object for this class and access all the methods.
Sikuli is a GUI based automation tool. The purpose of this tool is interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups .Mainley sikuli use the “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI” techniques. Sikuli comes with its own IDE which is extremely powerful on its own.
Practical uses of Sikuli:
1.Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2.It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3.It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4.Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5.Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits:
*It is an open source tool.
*One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
*The windows applications automated easily.
Some sikuli methods are:
1.Creating object for screen class- Syntax: Screen s=new Screen();
2.Click on an element-Syntax: s.click(“<>”);
3.Find an element-Syntax: s.find(“<>”);
4.Type a string on a TextBox-Syntax: s.type(“<>”,”String to be typed”);
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”.
The Interface
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). Sikuli’s IDE is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
Practical uses of Sikuli :
-Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
-It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
-It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
-Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
-Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits :
-It is an open source tool.
-One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
-The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows,mac, Linux.
The Interface
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment).Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
Practical uses of Sikuli
1)Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2)It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3)It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4)Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5)Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
1)It is an open source tool.
2)One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3)The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is GUI based open source automation tool, built with java, to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”, where the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project.
Sikuli comes with its own Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL. (Pattern-String-Match-Region-Location)
Practical uses of Sikuli:
1. Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2. It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3. It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4. Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5. Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits:
1. It is an open source tool.
2. One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3. The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli Automation :
Sikuli Automation is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. The main technique used is Image recognition and control GUI.
Setting up Sikuli :
1. Visit the website
2. Download the sikulixsetup.jar
3. keep the folder empty where you want to keep the sikulix files
4. java should be installed
5. run the jar
6. sikuli will then proceed to set up
The interface : Sikuli comes with IDE(Integrated development environment)
it has many patterns like PSMRL
Pattern
String
Match
Region
Location
Practical uses of Sikuli :
to automate flash objects/websites
automate windows based applications
provides simple API
provides extensive support to automate flash objects
can automate desktop applications
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”.
How to setup sikuli automation tool:
1-Visit the website http://www.sikulix.com/ and stored inside the project.
2-Download the sikulixsetup.jar
3-Keep it in an empty folder where you want keep all your sikulix files.
4-Java should be installed for this tool to run.
5-Run the jar, (install the pack 1)
6-Sikuli will then proceed to setup.
The Interface:
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). Sikuli’s IDE is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
Pattern- A pattern object
String-A path to an image or just txt
Match-A match from a previous find
Region- A region object
Location- A location object, screen point.
Practical uses of Sikuli
Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
1 It is an open source tool.
2 One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3 The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows,mac, Linux.
Setting up Sikuli:
1. Visit the website
2. Download the sikulixsetup.jar
3. Keep the folder empty where you want to keep the sikulix files
4. Java should be installed
5. Run the jar
6. Sikuli then proceed to set up
Practical uses of Sikuli:
1. Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2. It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3. It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4. Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5. Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits:
1. It is an open source tool.
2. One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3. The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows,mac, Linux. The setup of Sikuli automation tool is explained. Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object, S-string: path to an image or just txt, M-match: A match from a previous find, R-region: A region object and L-Location: A location object, screen point. Instructions to create a script is explained. Practical uses of Sikuli are explained.
1. Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
1. It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
2. It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
3. Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
4. Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications
Benefits are also explained.
1. It is an open source tool.
2. One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3. The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. It focouses on “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing Sikuli to run on windows, mac, Linux. Sikuli uses a powerful integrated development environment, and it has many patterns like PSMRL.P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
Practical uses of Sikuli are:
1. Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2. It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3. It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4. Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5. Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
1.It is an open source tool.
2.One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3.The windows applications automated easily.
SIKULI automation tool
SIKULI is an open source automation tool which is based on GUI. The purpose of this tool is to handle web based elements . It uses for image recognition and control GUI.
SIKULI is having IDE (Integrated Development Environment) interface. SIKULI’s IDE is powerful by its own. Without any programming knowledge we can automate many task easily. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P : Pattern (A pattern object)
S: String (path to an image or text)
M : match (find match of an object)
R : Region (region of object)
L: location (location of object)
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based.The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows,mac, Linux.
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). Sikuli’s IDE is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point
Sikuli is an open-source automation tool that is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows,mac, Linux.
How to setup sikuli automation tool:
1.Visit the website http://www.sikulix.com/
2.Download the sikulixsetup.jar
3.Keep it in an empty folder where you want keep all your sikulix files
5.Run the jar
6.Sikuli will then proceed to setup.
The Interface
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). Sikuli’s IDE is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
We work with patterns as we can specify an image and a location to click. Patterns are the primary object we use in the series and patterns contain an image and information about that image ie. size, similarity and target offset.
Practical uses of Sikuli
Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
*It is an open-source tool.
*One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
*The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing sikuli to run on windows,mac, Linux.
The Interface
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment).Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
Practical uses of Sikuli
1)Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
2)It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
3)It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
4)Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
5)Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
1)It is an open source tool.
2)One of the biggest advantages of sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
3)The windows applications automated easily.
Sikuli is an open source automation tool which is GUI based. Its purpose is to interact with elements of webpages and handling windows based popups. The main technique Sikuli uses is of “Image Recognition” and “Control GUI”. Here the web elements are taken as images and stored inside the project. It is built with java allowing Sikuli to run on windows, mac, Linux.
Sikuli comes with its own IDE (integrated development environment). Sikuli’s IDE is extremely powerful on its own. Without any programming knowledge we can make sikuli automate many tasks. It has many patterns like PSMRL.
P-Pattern: A pattern object
S-string: path to an image or just txt
M-match: A match from a previous find
R-region: A region object
L-Location: A location object, screen point.
Practical uses of Sikuli
.Sikuli is used to automate flash objects/flash websites.
.It is useful to automate the windows based applications. What we see in the screen.
.It provides simple API; all methods are accessed using the screen class objects.
.Sikuli provides extensive support to automate flash objects.
.Using Sikuli we can automate desktop applications.
Benefits
.It is an open source tool.
.One of the biggest advantages of Sikuli is that it can easily automate flash objects.
.The windows applications automated easily.