Customizing UFT Toolbars & Shortcuts

UFT Interface Overview - Customizing Toolbars and Keyboard Shortcuts for Enhanced Productivity

Unified Functional Testing (UFT) is a powerful testing tool that enables testers to automate functional and regression testing across various applications. As with any sophisticated software, the efficiency of your testing workflow can be significantly enhanced by tailoring the interface to match your specific needs and preferences. Customizing toolbars and keyboard shortcuts in UFT can dramatically improve productivity by reducing the time spent navigating menus and accessing frequently used features.

Understanding the UFT Interface Layout

The UFT interface is designed to provide comprehensive access to all testing capabilities while maintaining an organized and intuitive layout. At first glance, the interface may appear complex, but understanding its components allows for more efficient navigation and utilization of the tool's features. The main elements include the menu bar, toolbars, test pane, data table, and result viewer, each serving distinct purposes in the testing workflow.

The menu bar provides access to all UFT commands organized by category, including File, Edit, View, Test, Automation, Tools, and Help. Below the menu bar, the standard toolbar offers quick access to common actions such as opening tests, running tests, and inserting checkpoints. The testing toolbar contains test-specific functions, while the debugging toolbar facilitates test execution control during debugging sessions. Understanding the purpose of each toolbar helps testers identify which customization options would be most beneficial for their workflow.

The test pane displays the structure of your test or component, allowing you to add, modify, or delete test steps. The data table enables parameterization of test steps with various data sources, while the result viewer provides detailed information about test execution outcomes. A well-organized interface layout ensures that these components are positioned optimally for your specific testing needs, reducing unnecessary scrolling and navigation between different areas of the interface.

Key interface components to familiarize yourself with:

• Menu bar with categorized commands
• Standard toolbar for common actions
• Testing toolbar for test-specific functions
• Debugging toolbar for execution control
• Test pane for test structure
• Data table for parameterization
• Result viewer for execution details

The ability to customize these interface elements is crucial for testers who spend significant time working with UFT. By arranging toolbars strategically and assigning keyboard shortcuts to frequently used actions, testers can create a personalized workspace that minimizes distractions and maximizes efficiency.

The Evolution of Toolbar Customization in UFT

Toolbar customization has been a topic of discussion among UFT users for many years. In earlier versions of the tool, particularly QTP10, testers enjoyed extensive toolbar customization capabilities that allowed them to add, remove, and rearrange toolbar buttons according to their preferences. This feature enabled users to create personalized toolbars with quick access to frequently used actions such as check in/out, version history, and other workflow-specific functions.

However, in subsequent versions of UFT, this customization capability was removed from the official release. According to feedback from the UFT community, the decision to remove toolbar customization was made to avoid potential layout conflicts that could negatively impact the user experience. The development team indicated that they were working on a better solution but had not yet implemented it in a subsequent release. This change disappointed many power users who had developed highly customized interfaces that significantly improved their productivity.

Despite the lack of official customization options, creative users have discovered workarounds to personalize their UFT interface. Some users have utilized external tools or scripts to modify toolbar configurations, though these methods come with risks and are not officially supported by OpenText. Others have adapted by making better use of the existing toolbar features and exploring alternative ways to access frequently used functions through the menu system or keyboard shortcuts.

Historical context of UFT toolbar customization:

• QTP10: Full toolbar customization capability
• UFT 11.5-14: Customization feature removed due to layout concerns
• UFT 15+: Limited customization options with focus on keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts in UFT

While toolbar customization options have become limited in recent UFT versions, keyboard shortcuts remain a powerful way to enhance productivity. UFT provides a comprehensive set of default keyboard shortcuts that can significantly speed up your testing workflow. Understanding these shortcuts and creating custom ones can transform how you interact with the UFT interface.

Default Keyboard Shortcuts

UFT comes with numerous built-in keyboard shortcuts that cover all major functionality. Here are some of the most commonly used shortcuts that can dramatically improve your efficiency:

• Navigation Shortcuts:
• Ctrl+O: Open a test
• Ctrl+N: Create a new test
• Ctrl+S: Save the current test
• Ctrl+F: Find text in the test
• F5: Run the test
• F7: Step into during debugging
• F8: Step over during debugging
• F9: Toggle breakpoint
• Shift+F9: Debug the test

• Editing Shortcuts:
• Ctrl+Z: Undo
• Ctrl+Y: Redo
• Ctrl+C: Copy
• Ctrl+X: Cut
• Ctrl+V: Paste
• Ctrl+D: Delete
• Ctrl+I: Insert step
• Ctrl+R: Record
• Ctrl+Shift+R: Record and Run

• View Shortcuts:
• Ctrl+M: Minimize/Maximize active pane
• Ctrl+T: Toggle test tree view
• Ctrl+B: Toggle data table view
• Ctrl+E: Toggle expert view
• Ctrl+W: Toggle keyword view
• Ctrl+L: Toggle local object repository

• Checkpoint Shortcuts:
• Ctrl+Shift+C: Insert checkpoint
• Ctrl+Shift+V: Insert standard checkpoint
• Ctrl+Shift+D: Insert database checkpoint
• Ctrl+Shift+T: Text checkpoint
• Ctrl+Shift+A: Accessibility checkpoint

Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

While UFT doesn't provide a straightforward interface for creating custom keyboard shortcuts like some other applications, there are methods to achieve this functionality:

1. Using the Windows Registry:

Advanced users can modify the Windows registry to create custom shortcuts. This method requires caution and should only be attempted by those comfortable with system modifications.

2. External Automation Tools:

Tools like AutoHotkey can be used to create system-wide shortcuts that trigger UFT actions. This approach provides maximum flexibility but requires additional software installation.

3. UFT Add-ins:

Some third-party add-ins for UFT offer enhanced customization options, including the ability to create custom keyboard shortcuts.

' Example of an AutoHotkey script to create a custom keyboard shortcut
; Press Ctrl+Alt+T to toggle between Keyword and Expert views
^!t::
If WinActive("ahk_class QTPWindow")
{
    Send ^w
    Sleep 100
    Send ^w
}
return

' VBScript function to create a custom toolbar button
Sub CreateCustomToolbarButton()
    Dim objToolbar
    Set objToolbar = ObjectRepositoryUtil.Toolbar
    
    ' Add a custom button to the standard toolbar
    objToolbar.AddButton "CustomRun", "Run Custom Test", "RunTest.vbs", 3
    
    ' Set the button's tooltip
    objToolbar.SetButtonTooltip "CustomRun", "Run Custom Test Suite"
    
    ' Assign a keyboard shortcut to the button
    objToolbar.SetButtonShortcut "CustomRun", "Ctrl+Shift+U"
End Sub

Best Practices for Keyboard Shortcuts

When working with keyboard shortcuts in UFT, consider these best practices to maximize their effectiveness:

1. Maintain Consistency: Try to use similar shortcut patterns across different tools to reduce cognitive load.

2. Document Your Shortcuts: Keep a reference sheet of your custom shortcuts and review it regularly until they become second nature.

3. Avoid Conflicts: Be mindful of shortcuts that might conflict with those used by other applications or with UFT's default shortcuts.

4. Prioritize Frequently Used Actions: Assign your most-used actions to the easiest-to-reach keys, typically those that don't require awkward finger stretches.

5. Create Mnemonics: Use shortcuts that relate to the function they perform (e.g., Ctrl+R for Record).

6. Use Modifier Keys Wisely: Combine Ctrl, Alt, and Shift with letters to create a logical hierarchy of shortcuts.

Advanced Customization Techniques

While official toolbar customization options are limited in recent UFT versions, there are several advanced techniques that power users have developed to personalize their interface:

Customizing Toolbars Through Workarounds

1. XML Configuration Files:

UFT stores toolbar configurations in XML files that can be modified directly. This approach requires technical expertise and caution, as improper modifications can cause instability.

2. Registry Modifications:

Advanced users can modify specific registry keys to alter toolbar behavior. This method should only be attempted by experienced users with proper backups.

3. Third-Party Tools:

Several specialized tools have been developed by the UFT community to enable toolbar customization. These tools typically work by intercepting UFT's interface commands and modifying them.

' Example of a script to modify toolbar visibility
Sub CustomizeToolbarVisibility()
    Dim objToolbar
    Set objToolbar = ObjectRepositoryUtil.Toolbar
    
    ' Hide the debugging toolbar when not in use
    objToolbar.SetVisible "Debugging", False
    
    ' Show the testing toolbar
    objToolbar.SetVisible "Testing", True
    
    ' Customize the standard toolbar
    objToolbar.SetVisible "Standard", True
    objToolbar.SetButtonVisible "Standard", "New", True
    objToolbar.SetButtonVisible "Standard", "Open", True
    objToolbar.SetButtonVisible "Standard", "Save", True
    objToolbar.SetButtonVisible "Standard", "Run", True
End Sub

Interface Layout Optimization

Optimizing your UFT interface layout can significantly improve your workflow efficiency:

1. Pane Management:

• Use the docking feature to arrange panes according to your workflow
• Create custom pane layouts for different testing scenarios
• Utilize the auto-hide feature to maximize screen real estate

2. Workspace Organization:

• Group related panes together
• Position frequently accessed panes in convenient locations
• Use the reset layout option when needed to return to defaults

3. Visual Customization:

• Adjust font sizes for better readability
• Customize color schemes to reduce eye strain
• Modify interface elements to match personal preferences

Personalizing the Workspace

Creating a personalized workspace that matches your specific testing needs can dramatically improve productivity:

1. Workflow-Based Layouts:

• Create different layouts for different types of testing
• Save and switch between layouts based on current tasks
• Customize each layout for maximum efficiency

2. Quick Access Customization:

• Pin frequently used actions to toolbars
• Create custom menus for common tasks
• Organize tools and resources logically

3. Automation Integration:

• Integrate custom tools and utilities
• Create custom toolbars for specific automation frameworks
• Develop scripts to automate repetitive interface tasks

' Example of a script to create a custom workspace layout
Sub CreateCustomWorkspace()
    Dim objWorkspace
    Set objWorkspace = ObjectRepositoryUtil.Workspace
    
    ' Create a new layout called "Regression Testing"
    objWorkspace.CreateLayout "Regression Testing"
    
    ' Configure the layout for regression testing workflow
    objWorkspace.SetPanePosition "Test Pane", 0, 0, 50, 100
    objWorkspace.SetPanePosition "Data Table", 50, 0, 50, 50
    objWorkspace.SetPanePosition "Result Viewer", 50, 50, 50, 50
    
    ' Save the layout for future use
    objWorkspace.SaveLayout "Regression Testing"
    
    ' Apply the layout
    objWorkspace.ApplyLayout "Regression Testing"
End Sub

Productivity Tips and Tricks

Combining toolbar and keyboard shortcut optimizations can create a highly efficient testing environment. Here are some productivity tips and tricks to maximize your UFT experience:

Combining Toolbar and Keyboard Shortcut Optimizations

1. Layered Access Strategy:

• Use keyboard shortcuts for the most frequent actions
• Place moderately used actions on toolbars
• Reserve menu access for less common functions

2. Contextual Customization:

• Create different shortcut sets for different testing scenarios
• Customize toolbars based on specific test types
• Use macros to combine multiple actions into single shortcuts

3. Workflow Integration:

• Design shortcuts and toolbars to match your natural workflow
• Create sequences of shortcuts for complex operations
• Use toolbar buttons to launch frequently used scripts

Creating Efficient Workflows

1. Task-Based Customization:

• Analyze your most common testing tasks
• Identify repetitive actions that can be shortcut
• Create specialized layouts for different testing phases

2. Batch Operations:

• Use shortcuts to perform batch operations on test elements
• Create toolbar buttons for common test configurations
• Develop scripts for complex, multi-step processes

3. Time-Saving Combinations:

• Combine multiple shortcuts into efficient sequences
• Use toolbar buttons to trigger complex operations
• Create macros for frequently used action combinations

Case Studies and Examples

1. Regression Testing Specialist:

A regression testing specialist customized their UFT interface with:

• Keyboard shortcuts for common verification steps
• A specialized toolbar with checkpoint shortcuts
• Custom layout optimized for comparing test results

2. Data-Driven Testing Expert:

A data-driven testing expert created:

• Shortcuts for data table navigation
• Toolbar buttons for common data operations
• Custom layouts for parameterized testing

3. Framework Developer:

A framework developer optimized their interface with:

• Shortcuts for framework-specific actions
• Custom toolbars for component management
• Automated layout switching based on test type

Conclusion

Customizing the UFT interface through toolbar arrangements and keyboard shortcuts is a powerful way to enhance productivity and create a more efficient testing workflow. While official customization options have evolved over time, particularly with the removal of extensive toolbar customization in recent versions, there are still numerous ways to tailor the interface to your specific needs.

By understanding the UFT interface layout, leveraging default keyboard shortcuts, creating custom shortcuts through available methods, and implementing advanced customization techniques, you can transform your testing experience. The key is to identify your most frequent actions and design an interface that provides the quickest access to them.

Remember that the most effective customizations are those that align with your natural workflow and reduce cognitive load. Take the time to experiment with different arrangements and shortcuts, and regularly refine your approach as your testing needs evolve. With a well-customized UFT interface, you'll be able to focus more on creating effective tests and less on navigating the interface, ultimately leading to higher productivity and better test coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I customize toolbars in UFT?
  While recent UFT versions have limited official toolbar customization options, you can use XML configuration files, registry modifications, or third-party tools to personalize your interface layout.
• What are the most useful keyboard shortcuts in UFT?
  Essential UFT shortcuts include Ctrl+O for opening tests, F5 for running tests, F7/F8 for debugging, and Ctrl+Shift combinations for inserting checkpoints. These can significantly speed up your workflow.
• Can I create custom keyboard shortcuts in UFT?
  UFT doesn't provide a straightforward interface for creating custom shortcuts, but you can use Windows registry modifications, external tools like AutoHotkey, or third-party UFT add-ins to implement custom shortcuts.
• How has toolbar customization evolved in UFT versions?
  QTP10 offered full toolbar customization, but this feature was removed in UFT 11.5-14 due to layout concerns. Recent versions focus more on keyboard shortcuts as the primary customization method.
• What are best practices for UFT interface customization?
  Prioritize frequently used actions, maintain consistency across tools, document your customizations, avoid conflicts with existing shortcuts, and create workflow-based layouts for different testing scenarios.