Track Hidden or Transient UI Elements

Some UI elements are only visible while the Application Under Test (AUT) stays in focus (for example: drop-down lists, pop-up menus, context menus, tooltips). These controls can be harder to track because they disappear when you switch windows or click away.

This guide shows the most reliable approaches for tracking these “hidden” elements.

Approach 1: Instant tracking (recommended for menus and popups)

Use instant tracking when you need to capture elements that appear temporarily. Instant tracking can be repeated to capture multiple items in one go.

1. Open your AUT and navigate to the UI state where the hidden element becomes visible (e.g., open a drop-down list).
2. Start Ranorex Spy (Integrated or Standalone).
3. Make the hidden element visible and keep it in focus (hovering can help).
4. Press Ctrl + WIN to track the currently focused element.
5. Repeat Ctrl + WIN to track additional items (for example, more drop-down entries).

Note: Instant tracking can be used when Spy is running or when a recording module/repository is open in Studio.

Approach 2: Track… with pause (useful if a key must be held)

The Track… workflow supports pausing tracking with F12, which helps when an element is only visible while a menu is open or a key is pressed.

1. In Ranorex Studio, open a recording module or repository and click Track….
2. In the AUT, open the menu/drop-down so the target element is visible.
3. Press F12 to pause tracking while keeping the UI state visible.
4. Select the target element to complete tracking.

Common pitfalls

• If the element disappears when you switch apps, prefer instant tracking because it minimizes context switching.
• If you need to share the UI state with Support, create a snapshot of hidden UI elements right after tracking (see Snapshot workflow).