Recording Actions
OS X lets you record your actions to build workflows and create Automator actions. This addition makes Automator even easier to use to automate your life. Be aware that Automator records pointer movements and keystrokes, and plays them back in sequence, so its recording capability is not as elegant a solution as using an application's built-in workflow actions. However, if an application developer has not provided the interface that you need to build a workflow, or you want to do something more complex, this can be an easy way to accomplish your goal.
Note
To use this recording feature, you must have Assistive Devices enabled in the Universal Access system preference (see Chapter 29). If you do not have Assistive Devices enabled and try to record an action, Automator prompts you to enable it.
To begin recording an action, click the Record button in the main Automator window. Begin the procedure you want to record. When you are finished recording the set of keystrokes, return to Automator and click the Stop button. Your recorded keystrokes and mouse movements are grouped together in a single new workflow action that you can see and edit.
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