Snapshot Workflow for Support and Collaboration

A Ranorex snapshot is a point-in-time capture of the AUT’s UI structure (element tree + properties). Snapshots are created and viewed in Spy, and use the .rxsnp file extension.

Snapshots are commonly used to share a reproducible UI state with Ranorex Support, Technical Sales, or teammates when troubleshooting identification issues.

Create a standard snapshot (no hidden UI elements)

1. Start your AUT and navigate to the screen you want to capture.
2. Start Ranorex Spy.
3. Track a representative UI element using TRACK.
4. In the Element Tree toolbar, click Save as snapshot… and save the file.

Note: The default snapshot location is %USERPROFILE%RanorexSnapshots.

Create a snapshot that includes hidden UI elements (menus, drop-downs)

Hidden UI elements are not automatically included because they appear as separate top-level items in Spy. To capture them reliably, use instant tracking and then cache the snapshot to memory.

1. Open the AUT and make the hidden element visible (open the drop-down/context menu).
2. Start Ranorex Spy.
3. With the hidden element in focus, press Ctrl + WIN (instant tracking).
4. Immediately press Scroll to create and cache the snapshot to working memory.
5. Click Save as snapshot… to save the cached snapshot to disk.

Important: If you skip the Scroll step, the snapshot may be incomplete for hidden UI elements.

Load a snapshot

1. In Spy, click Load from snapshot… in the element tree toolbar.
2. Select the .rxsnp file and open it.
3. Confirm Spy indicates SNAPSHOT mode (not LIVE).