Postman used to be great for API work, but starting with version 10.17, most features need an account. Even basic stuff like environment variables are limited without logging in. Version 10.17 is the last to support Scratch Pad mode without an account.

If you still want to use Postman, you can download version 10.17 and disable automatic updates. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Download and Install Version 10.17

1. Download version 10.17.
2. Uninstall your current Postman. Additionally, you may need to delete Postman data located at %appdata%\..\Local\Postman and %appdata%\..\Roaming\Postman. (Be sure to make a copy or rename the Postman folders if you're concerned about losing data.)
3. Disconnect your internet.
4. Install version 10.17.
5. Rename update.exe to prevent automatic updates.

Please note, this is an unofficial workaround.

A Better Solution: Using EchoAPI Instead of Postman

EchoAPI provides a 100% Postman-compatible solution that does not require an account to use. It has several compelling features:

💡 EchoAPI is an ultra-lightweight collaboration tool for API development that supports Scratch Pad. It's a perfect alternative to Postman, offering features like API design, debugging, automated testing, and load testing. Plus, it comes with plugins for IntelliJ IDEA, VS Code, and a Chrome request capture extension, all without the need to log in.

• No account needed
• Built-in Scratch Pad
• Affordable price
• Lightweight native client

Comparison Table

Here is a screenshot of EchoAPI's user interface:

EchoAPI Extensions and Tools

Besides the desktop application, EchoAPI offers several extensions to fit various development environments:

• EchoAPI for VS Code
  • Ultra-lightweight API debugging tool for VS Code.

• EchoAPI for IntelliJ IDEA
  • One-click API documentation, one-click debugging.

• EchoAPI-Interceptor
  • One-click API capture, one-click debugging.

• EchoAPI CLI
  • Command Line Interface tool for EchoAPI and test case execution.

These tools make it easy for developers to choose the best option for their workflow.