Choose a Tracking Method – Ranorex

Ranorex Studio provides three main ways to identify UI elements and create repository items:

Choosing the right method helps you build a clean repository and avoid flaky identifications:

Tracking method	Description
Track by recording (automatic while you record)	Use this when you’re recording a user flow and want repository items created automatically as you interact with the AUT. It’s the fastest way to build a first working test. Capturing end-to-end flows quickly Creating the initial repository structure while recording Reusing items automatically when you interact with the same element again
Track… (single element)	Use this when you want to add one specific element (for example, before inserting an action manually). Tracking ends automatically after the element is identified, and you return to Studio. Adding one missing element to the repository Fixing a single broken item Pinpoint tracking (one element at a time)
Instant tracking (rapid multi-element capture)	Use this when you need to track several related elements without switching back to Studio after each one (for example, multiple drop-down items). Instant tracking works when Spy is started or when a recording module/repository is open. Menus, drop-down items, context menu entries Sets of similar controls (multiple list items, multiple buttons) “Capture many, then refine later” workflows

Quick decision guide

Building a scenario from scratch? Start with track by recording.
Need one element only? Use Track….
Need many transient elements (menus/items) quickly? Use instant tracking.