Getting exact window size and alignment

Question

I need to record sequences in a predictable, reproducible
window so that I can record something later and insert it in an
existing animationwithout creating an alignment error with adjacent
slides. I'm documenting a web-based app at 800x600. When I record,
I put the red rectangle at the browser's upper-left, and move the
browser's lower-right corner to the correct position. No matter how
carefully I do this, it isn't accurate down to the pixel.
Aligning the recording with the app would require two kinds
of settings:
- Size of the app: I don't see a way to do this with a
browser and haven't seen it in other apps. A problem is that I'm
only recording the viewable frame in the browser, not the whole
browser window.
- Defining the window: I'd like to do it as in SnagIt, which
defines a window as just about any rectangle known to the system or
app. That way, the recording window has a precise relation to the
browser window.
These sizes and positions are all known to the software, but
are they controllable by users?

Answer 1

Hi Christopher
Within Captivate, when you record, you have the option of
choosing to record the Application or to simply configure a
recording size. In this case, it sounds like you want the 800 x 600
size. So here is what you do. Click File > Record/Create >
New Project...
On the "New project options" dialog, choose Software
Simulation and "Custom Size". Then click OK.
Now you may click the Preset sizes button and choose the 800
x 600 Full Screen setting. This will set the red recording
rectangle to exactly 800 x 600 pixels.
Now for some magick. Click the drop-down where it says
"Optionally, select a window you'd like to record". Choose the
browser window. Once you do this, click the button labeled "Snap to
fit" and the browser should be resized and placed exactly inside
the red recording area.
Hopefully this helps a smidge... Rick