Hi Ruby,
Generally, the repository is seamlessly managed from within Ranorex Studio in a standard Ranorex solution. Since your team is using their own custom test framework with the Ranorex API and repository, there is less documentation available for this specific type of usage. This is not wrong or a bad way to use Ranorex, just a more customized approach which I am sure fits your tests requirements.
I believe the below is what you are looking for. These steps explain how to update an existing repository file with the standalone Ranorex Spy without Ranorex Studio.
- Open the existing repository file (<RepositoryName>.rxrep) with Ranorex Spy (located in the Ranorex install directory as Ranorex.Spy.exe)
- Update/modify the repository in Spy ("Element Repository" tab at the top)
- Save the changes
Note: You can also export the CS file in Spy if you this is all you are looking for (
"Element Repository" tab > Export > C#/VB.NET).

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Once the repository file is updated, your project should detect these changes. For example, if you added a new repository item, you should be able to use it within your test.
I hope this answers your question!
Cheers,
Ned