Windows Macro Recorder

Computers were invented to make our life easier, and save time, as well. Even though computers are still helping us to make our lives easier and save time, we count on computers for a lot more today. Kudos to the engineers and developers, who have made our computers, do a lot more than it used to, a few decades ago. However, sometimes it is the productivity and the smartness of the user, who can use the computer to save more time by using certain tricks. One of them is the use of macros. Macros can save a lot of time while doing or repeating the same set of tasks multiple times.

For example, you apply a set of filters in tandem, on multiple photos, or execute some steps in sequence to edit a set of videos. In that case, you can create a macro that can automatically execute the steps one after another, which would otherwise require a lot of time, if done manually. You can create multiple macros for each set of tasks, and with some smart macro tools, you can even automate almost all your everyday tasks. Even if you do not use macros for everything you do on your computer, letting macros do some small tasks can come in handy for you, to say the least. So, today, I will talk about, how you can create a macro, and before that, I will also talk about the points to keep in mind before creating macros, or before executing them.

Points to keep in mind while creating a macro

Windows macros macro macro-recorder Updated Sep 20, 2020; Python; MisanthropicShayna / MacroTool Star 1 Code Issues Pull requests This is a simple utility that allows. UiPath's Macro Recorder generates automation workflows by recording UI mouse clicks and keystrokes and is compatible with a wide range of platforms for Windows, including Citrix and other remote desktop/virtualization apps. With UiPath's recording wizard, users have three options: to record actions performed in a native Windows app, in a.

When it comes to creating a macro, you should keep some points in mind so that the instructions are executed properly.

In the case of macros that I will discuss here, you can record the macros for later execution by executing the steps one by one, just once. For example, as I hinted in the introduction if you execute steps in tandem to apply certain filters on a photo to edit the same, you will have to do that on the first photo or set of photos to record the steps, and after it is recorded, you can stop recording the macro and save it, so that you can execute it again at a later time.

What happens at the time of recording a macro is simple. The macro recorder records your mouse movements; the mouse clicks, both left, and right; keystrokes; including the waiting time between two tasks, and similar such inputs. Now, while executing the macro, those steps will be executed exactly the way it was recorded.

Now, let's find out the points to keep in mind before, or at the time of recording macros. I will also talk about some good practices while recording macros.

• First things first, as a macro will record everything from mouse movements to keystrokes, make sure, you are recording the macro in a proper window state. Let me make things a bit clear for you. If at the time of recording a macro, you click on some part of the screen for any reason, those clicks will be recorded and performed, which can delay the execution, or can carry out other activities, which can ruin the execution of the next steps. So, try keeping the screen free from unnecessary windows, menus, and everything else. Lastly, try to maintain the same state of the screen while executing the macro, as well.
• At the time of executing a macro, it is a cool idea to use the shortcut keys as much as possible and avoid using the mouse. As at the time of recording a macro, the co-ordinates of the areas being clicked, are recorded, it can sometimes, lead to troubles, as I talked about, in the last point. Shortcut keys make macros more accurate, and I will recommend you to use them if there is an option for the same. However, if there is no option for shortcut keys, you can keep using the mouse clicks. Just use the ‘Alt' key to find out the most common shortcut keys for various buttons or menus in most applications.
• I already discussed the importance of shortcuts keys in macros. However, if the opening of a program is recorded within the macro, better use certain hotkeys to open the programs that you need. You can write an AutoHotKey script to bind a shortcut key with an application, and use that shortcut key while recording the macro. There are even certain macro recording utilities, which can come with some in-built tools to write hotkey scripts. Using the navigation keys or the mouse to open an application isn't recommended while recording a macro.
• Rehearse properly before creating a macro. If you keep searching for the tools at the time of recording a macro within an application, the macro will standstill in the respective intervals at the time of execution, as well. So, just execute the steps a certain number of times to make yourself used to the interface before you finally come on the launchpad to start creating the macro.

So, those are the points that you should keep in mind. Let's now find out, how you can create macros on a Windows computer.

Creating a macro on Windows 10/7

Step 1: To record macros, you first need a software that is capable of doing so. There are several programs available for Windows that will help you record macros, but I use MacroRecorder, which is a freemium software that can cater to the need of most users. You can download it here.

Step 2: After you have downloaded and installed MacroRecorder, which is easy and is the same as the installation of other Windows programs, just open the app. After you open the program, you will get the following user interface. Just click on the ‘Record' button.

Record a new macro

Step 3: Now, start executing the steps in tandem, and that will automatically be recorded by MacroRecorder. Once all your task is finished, click on the ‘Stop' button within MacroRecorder. You can also click on the MacroRecorder icon in the system tray to stop. All the steps executed by you in the middle will also be displayed to you for reference.

MacroRecorder icon in the system tray to stop

Step 4: You can even double-click on any of the steps to see the details or make some changes to the activity. It means you can change single-click to double-click or right-click, or vice versa, change the clicking co-ordinates, and so on.

Edit mouse buttons action for Macro recording

Step 5: Finally, you can click on the ‘Play' button to check, whether the steps are getting executed properly or not.

Play button to check recorded macros

Step 6: Once done, it is time to save the macro so that you can run it at any point in time when you need it. Just click on the ‘File' tab, and then click on ‘Save'.

Step 7: Just select the location to save the macro, and assign a name that can help you to recognize the file when you need it. The macro will be saved with the extension ‘.mrf'.

select the location to save the macro

Step 8: Later on, you can simply double-click on the macro file to execute it, or click on ‘load a file…' on the MacroRecorder home screen.

MacroRecorder is a smart macro recording application

MacroRecorder is a smart macro recording application as it will only click, double-click or right-click if the clicking co-ordinates are the same, as it was, at the time of recording. This ensures something wrong doesn't happen at the time of running the macro, or it doesn't mess things up.

The premium version of MacroRecorder comes with additional benefits, which include, pixel colour recognition, execution of a step multiple times within a macro, and so on. If you are a power user and want to consume all the benefits of MacroRecorder, go give the premium version a try. However, the free version should be the best option for normal users.

So, that was all about, how you can create macros on a Windows computer, and the things that you should keep in mind at the time of creating macros. Do you have anything to say? Feel free to comment on the same below.

There are some instances where you need to repeat an action on your computer just to complete certain tasks. To avoid wasting your time and finish your tasks easily, all you need is a mouse and keyboard recorder that can do the job for you. Such recorders are also known as repeaters that have capabilities to record an action and then repeat it over again like a loop. You may still think that it's a hard task to do. But by using the proper programs, anyone can do it without any hassle, and a perfect example of these tools are the ones shown along this post.

I. Best mouse and keyboard recorders for Windows

Macro Toolworks

To automatically repeat a mouse action and record it, you can make use of a tool called Macro Toolworks. This is an automation program that provides its users to manage their tasks that require repetitive actions on all Windows devices. Most applications are supported by this tool which means you have a large scope of programs to work on. Aside from setting macro commands and macro triggers, this tool also supports macro recorder. This program also gives an option to share your files either by using a macro player or by generating it as an executable file.

To record your mouse along with your keyboard activity, just install and open this program, and simply click the 'Record Macro' icon to trigger the recording function. Once activated, you can start with the actions that you wish to repeat. To end the recording, hit the stop button at the lower right part of the screen, and your macro recording will be saved instantly.

TinyTask

The next free mouse and keyboard recorder on our list is TinyTask. This is a light application with approximately 34KB in size. In spite of its size, this tool is powerful enough to record any actions that are done with your mouse and keyboard. Considered to be the latest macro recorder out there in the market, this app can do both macro recording and recording playback as well. Once you've finished capturing the movements that you want to capture, you can then save it or keep it in an executable form.

To record the activities from your mouse and keyboard with TinyTask, simply click the 'Record' macroinstruction icon and start doing the movements that need to be recorded. When you're done, just click the 'Stop' button and then it can be saved.

Mini Mouse Macro

If you need a mouse and keyboard recorder that you can use instantly without installing anything then Mini Mouse Macro is the one for you. It is a portable macro recording application that can repeat the exact motions that are done when its recording function is on. Just like the programs above, this tool also has a minimal interface and it's easy to use. So if you came across a game that requires a lot of repeating movements, you can try Mini Mouse Macro.

In order to capture macros with this program, simply download the program, open it up, and you're ready to go. Click the 'Record' button to capture the keyboard and mouse movement that you prefer. Once done, just hit the 'Stop' button to end the recording.

Perfect Automation

Another macro recorder that can help you increase your productivity by saving your time with repetitive tasks is a tool called Perfect Automation. This tool features a launcher for recorded macros, a mouse and keyboard recorder, a scheduler, and a script editor. And what's good about this app is that it has hundreds of pre-made scripts that you can get access to, and you can enhance them further using the built-in script editor as well.

It is easy to record mouse and keyboard with this program. Simply press the 'Recorder' function, and your mouse and keyboard movements will be captured. Once done, you can end it by hitting the 'Stop' button and your recorded macros will be saved instantly.

Do It Again

From the name itself, we can easily say that this program is made to do repetitive actions just like what a mouse and keyboard recorder does. With Do It Again app, you can record any macros from your keyboard and mouse, and then play it again whenever you want to. The process is direct, all you need is to create new tasks and all your mouse and keyboard actions will be captured simultaneously. Just hit the 'Scroll Lock' to stop the recording process.

II. Top mouse and keyboard recorder for macOS

Automator

On the other hand, if you're using macOS, the best way to record your keyboard and mouse movement macros is by using Automator. This is a built-in application for all Mac devices and there's no need for additional software installation, simply access it from your Mac computer and then you can start recording.

To briefly understand how to record mouse and keyboard, simply open your Mac computer, search for Automator on your Spotlight and launch it. Then create a new 'Workflow' and click the 'Record' button afterward. Then every keystroke along with your mouse movements will be recorded right away.

Murgaa Macro Recorder for Mac

Murgaa Macro Recorder for Mac is a good auto mouse and keyboard recorder. By using this tool, you can record all your keyboard actions and mouse movements. While recording, a preview of all the actions that you do will be shown in the Main window, giving you a hint of what actions are already done. Moreover, this program supports keyboard shortcuts and provides distinct sound alerts.

To save your mouse and keyboard movements on your Mac, simply open the program, click 'Start Recording' to trigger the macro recording. Once you finished the recording, hit the 'Stop' button to end it. You can also make use of the keyboard shortcuts that you've set before you start recording.

Alphaomega Keyboard and Mouse Recorder

The next Mac program that serves as a mouse and keyboard recorder is Alphaomega Keyboard and Mouse Recorder. Upon using the program, you will be given the opportunity to record keyboard keystrokes and mouse movements together with mouse clicks. It has a built-in player that allows you to play the recorded macro and rewind or forward the playback as you wish.

To capture your mouse and keyboard motions with this program, simply open it, then click the 'Start' button to begin. Then the mouse and keyboard movements will be captured. Hit the 'Stop' button to end it if you're done. To keep the file, click the diskette-like icon to save the file on your local folder.

Jitbit Keyboard Recorder for Mac

Another tool for Mac users is Jitbit Keyboard Recorder for Mac. By using this recorder, you can capture all of the keystrokes that you want to record. Besides, there are some other things you can do with this program, including automation of any data entry tasks, repeating copy and paste works, and auto-fill the same forms. Simply click the 'Record' button and it's all set.

Repeater

If you are a newbie and don't want to be stressed with AppleScript, then the best way for you to record your mouse and keystrokes is by using Repeater. As its name implies, this program is created for repeating any actions that are made from mouse and keyboard. It can also playback any window movements along with scrolling and zooming.

There's no need to understand scripts, to start your macro recording with this tool, just open it, and click the 'Record' button at any time you prefer. Once done, hit the 'Stop' button, and the macro that you've captured will be played back right away.

Conclusion

Windows Macro Recorder

Those are the best mouse and keyboard recorders for both Windows and macOS. There are plenty of them to choose from, just select one recorder that suits your need. Whether it's a work-related task or just for personal use like gaming, mouse and keyboard recorders also know as repeaters indeed that provide a decent help.

Record And Playback Auto Clicker