Simulate a KeyPress in C# code

Hi,

I am trying to develop a text editor in C#. I want it to record and replay macros. This is how I am trying to do it:

The Bool MacroRecording keeps track of whether it is usual business.. or recording a macro. Pressing ^Q starts recording a macro.. and ^Q again stops it... the set of key press events are stored in a list MacroKeyList .. and on ^P , the recorded list of keys should be played..

I am able to record the MacroKeyList. On ^P, it tries to play the set of keys.. but nothing happens !! It does not reflect on the text box.

Possibly something wrong in the way I am trying to play the recorded macro. Could you please correct ?

Here is my code...

private void MyRichTextBox_KeyDown(object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
{
if (e.Control)
{
if (e.KeyCode == Keys.Q)
{
if (MacroRecording)
MacroRecording = false;
else
{
MessageBox.Show("Start Recording");
MacroKeyList.Clear();
MacroRecording = true;
}
}
else if (e.KeyCode == Keys.P)
{
if (MacroKeyList.Count > 0)
{
foreach (KeyPressEventArgs a in MacroKeyList)
OnKeyPress(a);
}
}
}
}

private void MyRichTextBox_KeyPress(object sender, KeyPressEventArgs e)
{
if (MacroRecording) MacroKeyList.Add(e);
}

4 Replies

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Benjamin Kemner15y ago
Accepted answer
yes, you have to use some special tags to do it. You can read it here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/8c6yea83%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

for up and down you have to send i.g. "{UP}" and "{DOWN}"
Vikas Solegaonkar15y ago
This works ! Thank you!!
Vikas Solegaonkar15y ago
Thanks Benjamin, for the quick reply....

I am able to use

SendKeys.Send(a.KeyChar.ToString());

for the regular alphabets.. but this does not record any up/down arrow keys.. Any idea why?
Benjamin Kemner15y ago
...
OnKeyPress(a);
...

this won't work in that way.

Try to use this:

...
SendKeys.Send(a.KeyChar);
...