Recording More Complex Sequences with the Macro Recorder

PTFB Pro's macro recorder lets you record whole sequences of commands. Like most macro recorders, PTFB Pro will let you assign macros to a hot-key or even run them from the command line or schedule them to run at given times. However, unlike most macro recorders, PTFB Pro's focus is on quickly and easily eliminating interruptions and irritations. As such, it can run your macro every time a given window, dialog or prompt appears. This makes it ideal for automated software stress testing, establishing and maintaining network connections, filling forms, automatically restoring application preferences and much more.

Ideal for

• Automated software stress testing
• Establishing and maintaining network connections.
• Auto-filling forms.
• Automatically restoring application preferences.

How to do it ...

Here's how to record a macro (a sequence of keyboard and/or mouse actions):

1. Open up PTFB Pro's main window by clicking on its tray icon
   
   
   
   
2. Click on "Macro". The cursor will now change to an open hand.
   
   
   
3. Nominate the target window by clicking inside it.
   
   NOTE: This step associates your macro with a specific window and makes all mouse moves relative to that window. If you prefer you can skip this stage and have all mouse coordinates relative to the screen.
   
   
4. A recording dialog will appear, signaling the PTFB Pro is now recording your interactions with the target window.
   
   
   
   
5. Carry out the sequence of actions you want PTFB Pro to repeat.
   
   
6. When you've finished, end the recording by pressing Stop on the Recording dialog or by hitting Pause/Break on the keyboard.
   
   
7. That's all there is to it!
   
   To put PTFB Pro to work, click "Start Watching", or press the close box in the top-right corner. PTFB Pro will minimize to the system tray and keep watch for offending windows and dialogs. When they appear it will handle them for you.
   
   When you record a new 'single press' or macro item, PTFB Pro stores information that uniquely identifies the window that you are acting upon. By default, PTFB Pro will run your new 'single press' or macro every time that window appears in the future. If you prefer, you can tell PTFB Pro to run your macro according to schedule, command line or even in response to a short cut key. You can also tweak a whole host of settings to fine tune your macro, and even configure the default behaviour for newly created macros. (Find out more about PTFB Pro's Macro Recorder).