1
Mouse
and Key Recorder - Manual
1.1
Mouse
and Key Recorder
Manual for
'Mouse and Key Recorder' Version 6.6
Further
information about the Mouse and Key Recorder can be found in the Internet:
http://www.kratronic.com/tools/recorder/
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Content
1 Mouse and Key Recorder - Manual
1.3 'Mouse and
Key Recorder' Requirements
1.6 Working
with 'Mouse and Key Recorder'
1.8 Your first
'Mouse and Key Recorder' Macro
1.9.1 Macro
Window and Key Entering
1.9.2 Loading
and Storing Macros
1.9.3 Start or
Switch to an Application
1.10.1.2 {{SendTextSpecial},
{{SendTextNormal}
1.10.1.3 {{WindowsAeroOff},
{{WindowsAeroOn},
1.10.1.5 {{Start,
{{StartAndWait
1.10.1.25 {{Var1},
{{GlobVar1}
1.10.1.26 {{SetVar1},
{{SetGlobVar1}
1.10.1.27 Increment,
Decrement, Multiply and Divide.
1.10.1.28 {{String1},
{{GlobString1}
1.10.1.29 {{SetString1},
{{SetGlobString1}
1.10.1.30 {{Ask1}, {{GlobAsk1}, {{WriteAsk1}, {{WriteGlobAsk1}
1.10.1.31 {{SetClipBoard},
{{ClipBoard}
1.10.1.32 {{DownLoop},
{{UpLoop}, {{RightLoop}, {{LeftLoop}
1.10.1.33 {{DownVar},
{{UpVar}, {{RightVar}, {{LeftVar}
1.10.1.38 {{Delay},
{{ExtDelay}
1.10.1.42 {{ImportFile,
{{ImportSeparator, {{DoImport}, {{ImportNextLine}
1.10.1.58 {{WriteToFile,
{{WriteLineToFile
1.10.1.59 {{Minimize},
{{Normalize}
1.10.1.60 {{SetIndex1},
{{Index1}
1.10.1.61 {{NumLockOn},
{{NumLockOff}
1.10.1.65 {{WaitForScreenChange
1.10.2.1 {{CTRL,
{{Shift, {{Alt
1.10.2.2 {{CTRL+/-,
{{Shift+/-, {{Alt+/-
1.10.2.14 {{CapsLockOn},
{{CapsLockOff}
1.10.2.15 {{DebugOn},
{{DebugOff}
1.10.2.17 Mathematical
and string commands
1.11.3 Scheduled
Macro Start (Scheduled Tasks)
1.11.7 Calling a
Macro by a Hotkey
1.11.8 Creating a
'Mouse and Key Recorder' icon
1.14 Special
Functionality: Automated Software Test
1.14.1.2 {{WaitForFocus,
{{WaitForEndFocus
1.16.1 Examples
for individual commands (or command groups)
1.16.1.2 {{SendTextNormal},
{{SendTextSpecial}
1.16.1.3 {{Start,
{{StartAndWait
1.16.1.5 {{Switch,
{{SwitchOrStart
1.16.1.8 {{SetVar,
{{Var, {{SetString, {{String
1.16.1.11 {{ImportFile,
{{ImportSeparator, {{DoImport}, {{ImportNextLine}
1.16.1.19 Mathematical
commands
1.16.2 Examples
for solving general tasks
1.16.2.1 Example
for repeating the whole macro or parts of it
1.16.2.2 {{If
command with several commands for 'then' and 'else'
1.16.2.3 Waiting
for the download of an Internet page by Firefox
1.16.2.4 RandomString
using self defined characters
1.16.2.5 Using
several Hotkey Sets
1.18.1 PC
independent installation
1.2
Introduction
A long, long
time ago, when Windows 3.1 still was in favor, we all had access to a tool
called Recorder. This recorder was able to record and replay keystrokes and
mouse clicks.
That
way simple macro files could be recorded. By double clicking on an icon, an application
could be started and certain actions within this application could be carried
out.
When
Windows NT and Windows 95 arrived, the recorder disappeared without any trace..
The only way to use a batch file was DOS !
Later on VBS (Visual Basic Scripting) appeared, but VBS is much too complicated
for everyday macros.
The 'Mouse
and Key Recorder' for Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Win7 and Windows 98/ME, written by
John Krauer, fills this painful gap. The next picture shows this tool.
1.3
'Mouse
and Key Recorder' Requirements
The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' runs on the following operating systems:
- Windows 98 / ME
- Windows 2000
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
For Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. the older 'Mouse and Key Recorder'
version V4.5 must be used.
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher must be installed on the PC.
The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' needs a screen resolution of at least:
- 600 * 800
If you want to use large fonts in your screen settings, then a
resolution of 768 x 1024 is required.
To work on a screen with a smaller resolution a program for virtual
screens could be used. These programs allow you to have up to 2'500 screens. An
application, which is too large, simply occupies two virtual screens. Here an address
for such a program:
http://enablevirtualdesktop.com/virtualdesktop/index.htm
(Virtual Desktop)
The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' needs about 4 MB hard disk space and works
with at least 64 MB RAM.
1.4 Licenses
The 'Mouse
and Key Recorder' is a shareware program. That means you can test this program
for 3 months. After that time you must buy a licensed version. With the test
version you cannot store any macros to the disk anymore after three months. The
licensed version can be bought over the Internet. Address:
http://www.kratronic.com/tools/recorder/
A single
license for the 'Mouse and Key Recorder' costs $23.00 (US). (Site license:
$100.00 (US), World wide license: $300.00 (US)
·
A
single license is meant for one PC only.
- A site license is meant for a single unit
of a company. A company unit can have several buildings in a city. To use
the 'Mouse and Key Recorder' in different branches (normally located in
different cities) a worldwide license is needed.
- The site license and the worldwide license
allows a company to use the 'Mouse and
Key Recorder' on every PC on this site or worldwide in this company. (But not outside the company).
The state of your Mouse and Key Recorder (Test-Version or Licensed
Version) is shown in the About Box. (Menu: ‘?’)
1.5
Functions
The 'Mouse
and Key Recorder' is able to record mouse clicks and keystrokes and to replay
them. But this is only the core function. There is much more:
- Store and Load recorded macros
to named files and to one buffer file
- Open applications or switch to
applications
- Carry out DOS commands
- Rename, delete, copy, compare
and find files
- Reading content of hard disk
directories and saving to files
- Insert delays
- Insert comments into the macro
- Use a general delay between
every line
- Delay the start of the macro
for minutes, hours or even days
- Starting macros regularly by
using the built in scheduler interface
- Repeat macros (Loops)
- Process conditions (If then
else)
- Compare texts (clipboard or
direct)
- Create random numbers and texts
- Load and run several macros by
a master macro
- Set variables, increment,
decrement, multiply and divide variables
- Add commands for only the
first, the second... or last loop
- Use import-files and fill in
the records from this file
- Ask user for input
- Check active window or button
for synchronization
- Check screen ranges for changes
(waiting for changes)
- Searching for a certain pattern
on the screen
- Waiting for a finished Internet
Explorer site download
- Various
mathematical and string commands
- Edit the macro by using an
integrated editor.
- Use Command Line mode
(including variable parameters)
- Starting macros (and recording
mode) by Hotkeys
- Use the 'Mouse and Key
Recorder' as keystroke logger.
1.6
Working
with 'Mouse and Key Recorder'
The 'Mouse
and Key Recorder' records, as the name expresses, mouse clicks and keystrokes.
The
"old" Recorder (Windows 3.1) had no edit functionality. If a wrong
key was pressed, the whole recording had to be repeated. The 'Mouse and Key
Recorder' records all keystrokes and all mouse clicks within any application
(exception: DOS Boxes). The recorded macro can then be stored, edited and
replayed. More than 140 additional commands lets you master nearly every task
you want to automate.
1.6.1
Important
Hints
The 'Mouse
and Key Recorder' is a powerful tool. As with every powerful application, care
has to be taken using it. The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' replays all commands you
have stored to the macro file. The Recorder does not check automatically if the situation
is the same you had previously, when you
recorded the macro. That means if the Recorder gets ‘out of synchronization’
some damage could be done. In this situation, wrong menus are clicked, OK is
pressed for ‘wrong’ commands, and so on..
How can you
avoid such uncomfortable and even dangerous situations? Here are some hints on
what you should do:
- Read the manual carefully to
understand the functionality and the possibilities of the 'Mouse and Key
Recorder'.
- Always test macros carefully
before you run them on ‘high speed’ or unsupervised.
- Place your 'Mouse and Key
Recorder' visible in a corner of your screen. (Switch on the option ‘Keep
Recorder window always on top’ in menu ‘Tools’ / ‘Options’ / ‘General’)
That way you can also see what is happening on the Recorder display.
Further on, if you need to stop it fast, you can access the Recorder
immediately.
- In an "emergency"
situation you can also hit Alt + Pause/Break to abort a macro. Then the
Recorder stops immediately. (Notebooks: Fn Alt Pause)
- Use the ‘General Delay’ of
about 2000 to follow the actions step by step. If the macro doesn’t do
what you expect, simply click the ‘stop’ button to cancel the macro.
- When you create your macro,
think carefully how long the required delays should be. Example: When the
Recorder has to wait for a time-consuming graphic conversion, set the
needed time for the largest graphic you are going to process. Add some
reserve time. An other way to wait for an operation’s end is the use
of {{WaitForFocus
or {{WaitForEndFocus
- Switch off all interfering
applications and devices. Screen-savers can badly disturb the Recorder.
Pop up messages and schedulers push the Recorder out of sync. (A Recorder
OK is needed to get rid of the pop up window). Changeable hard disks often
go in a sleep mode. When they start up again, the system is inactive for
some seconds.
- Be aware that you cannot work
with your PC while the Recorder is replaying the macro. If the macro
contains mouse clicks you should ensure that your mouse would not be moved
during the macro replay.
The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' has been tested to
the best of our abilities for bugs. The author of 'Mouse and Key Recorder' is
not responsible for any damage that may incur to the user's system or data as a
result of using 'Mouse and Key Recorder'.
1.7 Recording macros
After starting the 'Mouse and Key Recorder' you
get a window shown at the beginning of this manual. Normally you want to carry
out actions on applications like Microsoft Word, Excel, E-Mail etc. That means
first you need to add a command to start (or switch to) the needed application.
To do so press the tab 'Macro Code' then button ‘Insert Command' ( {{.. ). Type
in Switch 1) or Start. The
'Mouse and Key Recorder' presents you a hint, a description of the syntax and a
short help about that command. Complete the command and press OK. Now click the
button 'Append Recording' (red dot) to activate key and mouse recording.
Important: Switch now to your application by using ALT TAB. ALT TAB is not
recorded by the 'Mouse and Key Recorder'. Operate your application. You can use
keystrokes, mouse clicks (all three buttons), mouse double clicks, dragging
mouse. Some actions you do need some time. The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' records
your keystrokes without any timing information. (Means your macro will run much
faster than you type). As a result you need to include delays. This can be done
by a hot key: CTRL SHIFT ALT F12 and then one of the keys 0..'m'. Assignments: 1: 300 ms, 2: 500 ms, 3: 750ms, 4: 1min, 5: 2min, 6: 5min, 7: 10min, 8: 15min, 9: 50min, 0: 1hour; q: 1sec, w: 2sec…..o: 9sec; p: 10sec; a: 11sec, s: 12sec….l: 19sec; y/z: 21sec, x: 22sec….m: 27sec.
Finish your
work by switching back to the 'Mouse and Key Recorder' using ALT TAB. Click
button 'Append Recording' to stop the recording mode.
If you need
to edit your macro you click the register tab 'Macro Code'.
You can
find a comprehensive description of all functions in Chapter 8: 'Function
Description'.
Hint: In the Normal-Text-Mode the Mouse
and Key Recorder treats keystrokes and mouse clicks differently. Keystrokes
wait for the application. That means a second keystroke is sent but not until
the first keystroke is processed by the application. (This is not any longer
true for Windows Vista/Win7) Mouse clicks are sent according to the speed set
in the Recorder. That means, working with mouse clicks needs a more careful
delay management (enough delay between each mouse click). Conclusion: Use
Normal-Text-Mode keystrokes (and not mouse clicks) when ever possible (in
Windows XP and earlier).
1) To add a Switch command you can also use CTRL-ALT-SHIFT-F12 F12. See also command description {{Switch.
1.8 Your first 'Mouse and Key Recorder' Macro
This
chapter gives you a first impression how easy it is, to create a macro by using
the 'Mouse and Key Recorder'.
Try the
following steps:
- Start your word processor.
(Example: Word)
- Start the Mouse and Key
Recorder.
- Click 'Append Recording' (red
dot).
- Use ALT TAB to change to Word.
- Keep down CTRL ALT SHIFT and
press F12, then release all keys and press F12 again (That way a command
for switching to the word processor window is added)
- Type in some text.
- Use the mouse to select text
and to change its format.
- Use 'CTRL a' to select all you
have written and delete it.
- Use ALT TAB to return to the
Mouse and Key Recorder.
- Click 'Append Recording' again.
(This ends the recording)
Now change
'Line Delay' (in Tab 'General') to 1000 and click 'Play' (blue triangle) and
see what the Mouse and Key Recorder does for you…
After that
you can reduce the value of 'Line Delay'. But, if you choose a too short time,
errors might occur. (Mouse clicks are delivered faster than the word processor
can process them)
1.9
Function
Description
1.9.1
Macro
Window and Key Entering
The macro
window shows the recorded (or loaded) macro. To record keys, the button 'Append
Recording' must be pressed. Keys
pressed with an active button 'Append Recording' will be shown in this window
and can later be replayed and stored to macro-files. The recorded keys, and
commands are automatically scrolled through the macro window.
While
pressing keys the following commands are added to the macro:
|
Key |
Code |
|
characters like Abc |
Abc |
|
BACKSPACE |
{BACKSPACE} |
|
BREAK |
{BREAK} |
|
CAPS LOCK *) |
{CAPSLOCK} |
|
NUM LOCK *) |
{NUMLOCK} |
|
SCROLL LOCK *) |
{SCROLLLOCK} |
|
PRINT SCREEN *) |
{PRTSC} |
|
SHIFT *) |
{SHIFT} |
|
CTRL *) |
{CTRL} |
|
ALT *) |
{ALT} |
|
|
|
|
DEL |
{DELETE} or {DEL} |
|
END |
{END} |
|
ENTER |
{ENTER} |
|
ESC |
{ESC} |
|
HELP |
{HELP} |
|
HOME |
{HOME} |
|
INS |
{INSERT} |
|
DOWN ARROW |
{DOWN} |
|
LEFT ARROW |
{LEFT} |
|
PAGE DOWN |
{PGDN} |
|
PAGE UP |
{PGUP} |
|
RIGHT ARROW |
{RIGHT} |
|
UP ARROW |
{UP} |
|
TAB |
{TAB} |
|
|
|
|
F1 |
{F1} |
|
F2 |
{F2} |
|
F3 |
{F3} |
|
...... |
|
|
F11 |
{F11} |
|
F12 |
{F12} |
|
|
|
|
ENTER on NumPad |
{{NumPadEnter} |
|
/ on NumPad |
{{NumPadSlash} |
|
* on NumPad |
{{NumPadAsterisk} |
|
- on NumPad |
{{NumPadMinus} |
|
+ on NumPad |
{{NumPadPlus} |
|
. on NumPad |
{{NumPadDot} |
|
0 on NumPad |
{{NumPad0} |
|
1 on NumPad |
{{NumPad1} |
|
2 on NumPad |
{{NumPad2} |
|
3 on NumPad |
{{NumPad3} |
|
4 on NumPad |
{{NumPad4} |
|
5 on NumPad |
{{NumPad5} |
|
6 on NumPad |
{{NumPad6} |
|
7 on NumPad |
{{NumPad7} |
|
8 on NumPad |
{{NumPad8} |
|
9 on NumPad |
{{NumPad9} |
|
|
|
|
Windows Key: |
{{WindowsKey} |
|
ContextMenu Key |
{{WindowsDropDown} |
Italic
commands can not be recorded by the Recorder. Italic commands containing a *)
can only be used in the Special-Text-Mode {{SendTextSpecial}.
When you
want to use CTRL character, SHIFT character or ALT character, type them in as
usual. ‘Mouse and Key Recorder’ adds
the right commands.
|
Key |
Code |
|
SHIFT |
+ |
|
CTRL
(CONTROL) |
^ |
|
ALT |
% |
Examples: +^h =
Shift Control h, +^%{F1} = Shift Control Alt F1
+(EC) =
Keep shift down and click E and C. ^%2 = @ (^% represents Alt Gr)
For more
ways to enter CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, CTRL, Shift, Alt see the commands {{CapsLock, {{NumLock, {{CTRL, {{Alt and {{Shift in chapter "Adding Commands"
Some
characters are treated specially in the 'Mouse and Key Recorder'. These
characters are:
The plus
sign (+), caret (^), percent sign (%), tilde (~),parentheses ( ) brackets ([ ]) and brace ({}). All these
characters need to be enclosed by braces.
{+},{^},{%},{~},{(},{)},{[},{]},{{},{}}
The
quotation mark (") acts as a control character in a file. Therefore it is
replaced by another character. Example: (å)
- In Normal-Text-Mode the 'Mouse
and Key Recorder' cannot send keystrokes to an application that is not
designed to run in Microsoft Windows. That means you cannot work directly
with a DOS-Box. If you want to carry out DOS commands use the command {{DOS. Example: {{DOS
rename c:\temp\snap.jpg snap2.jpg. Another way to put commands to a
DOS-Box is to use command {{SendTextSpecial}.
- The above commands in italic
(like HELP) can only be entered
by using the button "Add Command" or tab "Macro Code".
Italic commands containing a *) can not be recorded by the Recorder and
can only be used in the Special-Text-Mode {{SendTextSpecial}.
- The key 'Print Screen' cannot
be used by 'Mouse and Key Recorder' in Normal-Text-Mode. But in
Special-Text-Mode {PRTSC} can be used. To catch the screen (or parts of
the screen) also a special application for catching the screen (or parts
of the screen) can be used. Many screen-catchers are shareware or even
freeware. I use for catching screens the application HyperSnap, available
at http://www.hyperionics.com
Hint: The HpyerSnap hotkeys can not be used. You need to trigger Hypersnap recording by mouse clicks. - The following key combinations
cannot be recorded and sent to the applications: Ctrl-Alt-Del, Ctrl-Esc,
Alt-Tab, Alt-Esc. Use mouse clicks or command {{Switch
to carry out these keystrokes. Ctrl-Alt-Del cannot be sent by the Mouse
and Key Recorder. Reason: Microsoft security.
- Key repetition can be
programmed the following way: {DOWN 10} = press the cursor down key ten times.
Restriction: max. 8000 repetitions are possible in one command.
- Sending strings containing +^%~()[]{} to
an application can cause problems. Example: {{SetVarPower
{{Power 5 | 300}. Sending {{VarPower
would send: 4.90909346529773E+209. The + would be seen as SHIFT and the
result would be (on a Swiss Keyboard) 4.90909346529773E"09. You can
overcome this problem by using the clipboard and CTRL v (^v). See also chapter: Hints / Limitations: (ReplaceBraces)
- KeyDownTime: For games sometimes a key
must be pressed for a certain time. The command {{KeyDownTime
allows to set this time. Example: {{KeyDownTime
3000. Every keyboard-click keeps down the key button for 3 seconds.
{{KeyDownTime 0 sets back the click to
the default time. IMPORTANT: This command works just together with {{SendTextSpecial}!
- See 'Editing Macros' for more
hints.
- Restriction: Windows allows
"just" 8100 {RIGHT}, {LEFT}… commands at once. That means a
{RIGHT 9000} causes an error.
By default,
the 'Mouse and Key Recorder' records both, mouse clicks and keystrokes.
If you just want to record just the keystrokes it is possible to switch off the
mouse recording in the Tools menu ('Tools' / 'Options' / 'Recording' / 'Record
Mouse Events')
During recording you can add a delay command by
using a hot key (CTRL SHIFT ALT and then a number between 0 and 'm'). If the
default hot key does interfere with your application you can change it in the
Tools menu. ('Tools' / 'Options' / 'Edit / 'Use Hotkeys for insert…') Delay key
assignments: 1: 300 ms, 2: 500 ms, 3: 750ms, 4: 1min, 5: 2min, 6: 5min, 7: 10min, 8: 15min, 9: 50min, 0: 1hour; q: 1sec, w: 2sec…..o: 9sec; p: 10sec; a: 11sec, s: 12sec….l: 19sec; y/z: 21sec, x: 22sec….m: 27sec.
1.9.2
Loading
and Storing Macros
You can load existing macros by the menu 'Open…'. Already loaded or saved macros can be found above
the menu 'Exit'. The yellow-grey folder in the toolbar also allows you to open
a macro. For fast prototyping a macro the two commands 'Load Temporary' and
'Save Temporary' are handy. These two command can also be found in the toolbar
(grey arrows). Important: During 'Temporary Macros' - Open and Save no
warnings are shown, even when changes are overwritten!
The commands 'Save' and 'Save as' let you save a macro. By using 'Save
as' an existing macro can be saved with another name. In the toolbar the little
disk serves as 'Save'.
1.9.3
Start
or Switch to an Application
The 'Mouse and Key Recorder' always works on
other applications. Therefore it has to switch to another application or to open
a new application. To switch to an application the name of the application as
it appears by pressing ALT TAB has to be put into the line: 'Switch to Window'.
Example: Document2
- Microsoft Word. Often Microsoft
Word is enough to be able to switch.
If an application should be started, the whole
path has to be entered to line: 'Start Application'. Example:
C:\PROGRAMS\MSOFFICE\WINWORD\WINWORD.EXE.
If the 'Start Application' and 'Switch to
Window' are empty, no switch or start is carried out.
Commands
{{Switch and {{Start
Starting or
switching to an application as described in this chapter is only carried out
once after starting the macro. If you want to start or switch to applications
during the macro run, you need to use the commands: {{Start
or {{Switch.
1.9.4
Loops
Often an activity has to be repeated several
times. Example: Copying content of 100 E-Mails to a WinWord document. The
'Loops' control lets you set how many times the macro is repeated. In this
example the whole macro is run 3 times. Sometimes certain activities should be
carried out only at the first or at the last loop. The following commands allow
doing this:
{{1}Start C:\MSO\Word.exe. Here
WinWord is started only during the first loop
{{n}%fe. Only
during the last loop WinWord is closed
{{2}I'm line two Only
during loop 2 the text is written.
{{<10}Filename00 Always
during loops lower than 10
Sometimes the loop number is needed. Example:
You want to open File1.txt, then File2.txt... For that purpose you can use: {{Loop}. This command adds the loop number.
Example: {{Start
Notepad.exe File{{Loop}.txt.
If your files start at 101 you can use an
offset.
Example: {{Offset 100}. During the first run file101.txt will
be opened.
Disadvantage:
If the total number of Loops is e.g. 150 the macro repeats 150 times despite of
the {{Offset 100}. The command {{SetLoop 101 avoids this disadvantage.
Another
often-needed function is to go up or down with the cursor for a certain amount.
Example: During every loop the cursor should be put down one time more. The
following command lets you do this: {{DownLoop.
During loop 1 the down cursor is activated once, during loop 2 the down cursor
is activated twice... The command {{RightLoop
does the same but moves the cursor to the right.
Loops can
also be created by using command {{Goto.