In this article, you’ll learn about the different ways to create repository items and add them to your repository.
Screencast: The screencast Create repository items walks you through the concepts in this article.
Automatic creation during a recording
When you are recording a test with Ranorex Recorder and you perform an action on a UI element, the corresponding repository item is created and added to your repository automatically.
This is the most common way repository items are created: every recorded interaction with a new UI element automatically generates a matching repository item.
Create a repository item with the Track button
Create a repository item with instant tracking
Instant tracking is another way of creating repository items manually. It’s especially helpful for identifying UI elements that aren’t easily accessible, such as items in a drop-down menu or context menu. To activate instant tracking, move the mouse over the desired UI element and press the shortcut Ctrl + WIN.
Using instant tracking is explained in detail in Instant tracking.
Create a repository item with Ranorex Spy
You can also add repository items manually from Ranorex Spy, a dedicated tool for mapping and identifying UI elements. This is useful when you need full control over the RanoreXPath or want to analyze complex UI structures before adding items to the repository.
Ranorex Spy is introduced in Start Ranorex Spy and in the Ranorex Spy section.
Create a repository item manually in the repository view
Finally, you can create repository items manually in the repository view itself. To do so:
- Right-click an app folder, a rooted folder, or a simple folder.
- Click Add new item > Item.
- Manually specify the item’s path and name it.
Tip: Manually specifying a path requires a basic understanding of the RanoreXPath. For more information, see RanoreXPath and RanoreXPath examples.