Interrogation and matching of Windows and Web applications

When an application user interface target is interrogated in Robot Studio, a representation of that element is created. That representation is known as a control in Robot Studio. A control performs the following functions.

Saves the rules that are necessary to identify the user interface element the next time the application is run.
Acts as a proxy for the user interface element so it can be used in automations even when the user interface element is not created, such as when the element is not visible on screen.
Provides a consistent metaphor for the user interface element regardless of the underlying application technology. For example, a check box control appears the same in Object Explorer regardless of the development platform.

Controls are displayed in Object Explorer. In Robot Studio, a control is considered created when it has been matched and destroyed when it has been unmatched. Object Explorer also shows Factories which are automatically detected by Studio.

Related information

Match Rules - Windows Messages Identified

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Updated: 28 March 2024

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