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Ranorex Studio 7 WPF plugin FAQ

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What is the difference between WPF automation in Ranorex 7 and previous versions?

Ranorex 7 features a new technology plugin for WPF automation. We have created a modern approach for automating WPF applications that is fast, reliable and configuration-free. Compared to previous versions of Ranorex, the new plugin features far better object recognition out of the box and less complex element trees when viewed in Ranorex Spy.

What are the features of the WPF technology plugin in Ranorex 7?

The new WPF technology plugin detects interactive elements in any WPF application and omits non-interactive elements like decorators while doing so. Because of this, element trees generated from the new WPF plugin are generally less complex and RanoreXPaths are more logical in their structure. By using the new WPF plugin, you can automate your applications faster and more reliably, without having to configure Ranorex for your individual application.

Is the new WPF technology plugin compatible with previous versions of Ranorex?

No. RanoreXPaths generated by the WPF technology plugin in Ranorex 7 are much leaner and therefore not compatible with those generated in previous versions. However, Ranorex 7 features a legacy mode that activates the WPF technology plugin from previous versions if your solution requires it.

What about my existing WPF tests?
WPF tests created with a previous version of Ranorex will continue to work in the exact same way as before. Ranorex 7 scans your repositories for items representing WPF elements. If it finds any the legacy mode automatically activates for your solution.
How do I choose which WPF plugin I want to use?

We designed the WPF technology plugin in Ranorex 7 in a way that you won’t have to choose the operation mode. Opening an existing solution that automates WPF will activate the legacy mode and everything will be still working as before. If the repositories in your solution do not feature any WPF elements, or if you are creating a new solution, the new WPF plugin is active as a default.You don’t need to worry about deciding which WPF plugin operation mode to use. If you create a new solution or if an existing solution doesn’t feature any WPF elements, the plugin will activate with all improvements. If you open an existing solution with WPF elements, Ranorex will automatically activate the legacy mode of the WPF plugin. You can also activate the legacy mode manually for new solutions. This is explained here.

Can I use both WPF plugin operation modes at the same time?
No. The operation modes are not compatible with each other. RanoreXPaths generated by the WPF plugin in previous versions cannot be processed by the WPF plugin in Ranorex 7 and vice versa. Because of this, we detect the right operation mode for you.
Where have the settings for the WPF plugin gone?

The WPF technology plugin in Ranorex 7 is configuration-free. Because of its superior object recognition, you don’t have to worry about identifying wrong elements anymore. If you are using the legacy mode, you can find the settings in the same place as before and an explanation of them here.

I made specific settings to the WPF plugin so that I can automate my application with Ranorex. Where can I find them?
Your settings will be in the same place as before and everything will work as intended thanks to the legacy mode.
How can I adjust the settings for the new WPF technology plugin?

The new WPF technology plugin is configuration-free and therefore has no settings. However, you can populate a blacklist of process names that you would like the WPF technology plugin to ignore.

What about tools not using Ranorex Solutions?
In the standalone tools, (Ranorex Spy, Ranorex Recorder, etc.), the improved WPF plug-in is active by default. If you are working with a solution that doesn’t use the improved WPF plug-in, you must activate the correct WPF plug-in in the standalone tool you want to use. Do not mix repository items created in different WPF-plug-in operation modes. It will lead to conflicts.
I’ve tried the new WPF technology plugin, but I prefer to use the one from previous versions. How can I activate it?
In case you would like to use the legacy mode in your solution, you can manually activate it in your solution settings. With the current solution open, go to Settings > Plugins > WPF. There you can change the WPF Legacy/UIA Interaction option to one of the items available in previous versions of Ranorex. The other options will then be shown accordingly.
How do I handle repositories from different solutions?
If you are working with Repositories across different Ranorex Solutions, you need to take special care not to mix the usage between the WPF technology plugin in Ranorex 7 and previous versions. Since the plugins are not compatible to each other and Ranorex can only load one at the same time, automation and object identification issues may occur.If you’d like to use repository items representing WPF elements across different Ranorex solutions, you need to make sure they were created in the same WPF plugin operation mode. The RanoreXPaths created in the different modes are not compatible with each other. To use items from an existing solution in a different operation mode, you will need to recreate them manually in the desired mode.
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Product roadmap

For features planned to be implemented in the near future, see the product roadmap.

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API changes

For changes in the testing and reporting API, see the API changes.

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Release notes archive

For releases prior to Ranorex Studio 7.0.0 , see the release notes archive.