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A macro recorder is a piece of software that allows a user to "record" mouse and keyboard functions for "playback" at a later time. The main advantage of using a macro recorder is that is allows a user to easily perform complex operations over and over that may not be feasible without custom computer programming / scripting.

Most macro recorders do not attempt to analyze / understand what the user did when the macro was recorded. This can cause problems when trying to play back a macro if the user's desktop environment has changed. For example, if the user has changed their desktop resolution, moved icons, or moved the task bar, the macro may not perform the way the user intended.

But some macro recorders do attempt to analyze user actions, trying to record mouse activity in window-related, not screen-related coordinates, for instance. Or to detect, exactly what widget was clicked or pressed by a user.

Also, security of the recorded macro needs to be considered. Macros are often stored as data files; sometimes in a format that can be edited by hand. It is conceivable that a malicious hacker could modify the recorded macro file to gain access / run processes / delete files / etc. If there is a serious need for repetitve batch processes, custom programming via scripting language or automation of some sort is advisable.

Some macro recorders, such as Smack Macro Recorder or Jitbit Macro Recorder will conveniently convert the macro to a compressed executable file (".exe") that can run standalone, without the need for the software that generated the macro to be present on the user's computer.

Some macro recorders have built-in macro editors, that allow composing a macro rather than recording it. This includes adding conditional statements, custom commands such as "open file", "launch website" or "shutdown computer".

• Macro