Quick Answer

To record your first macro on Mac: open your Mac macro recorder, click Record, perform the actions you want to automate (clicks, typing, scrolling), click Stop, save with a name, then click Play to replay. The whole process takes under two minutes.

What Is a Macro?

A macro is a recorded sequence of actions your computer can replay automatically. When you record a macro, the recorder captures every mouse click, keyboard press, and scroll event. When you play it back, your Mac performs those same actions in order—as if someone else were controlling the mouse and keyboard.

Macros are useful for anyone who repeats the same sequence of steps more than a few times a day. Instead of clicking through the same menus or filling in the same forms over and over, you record once and replay as many times as needed.

What Can You Automate on Mac?

Almost any repetitive sequence of clicks and keystrokes can be automated with a macro recorder. Common use cases include:

  • Data entry: Fill in forms with the same information repeatedly
  • Testing interfaces: Replay UI click sequences to verify app behavior
  • Spreadsheet formatting: Apply the same cell styling across multiple sheets
  • Photo editing workflows: Replay export and resize sequences
  • Browser navigation: Automate repetitive page navigation and form submissions
About This Guide
This tutorial is for ExoPanda Recorder, an independent macOS macro recorder. It is not a TinyTask guide. This website does not provide an official TinyTask for Mac download. TinyTask is a Windows application with no official Mac version.

Step 1: Download and Install the Mac Macro Recorder

Before you can record anything, you need to have the app installed on your Mac.

1

Download ExoPanda Recorder

Head to the download page and grab the macOS DMG file. The download is free and no account or email is required.

2

Install the App

Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag ExoPanda Recorder to your Applications folder. Launch it from Applications or use Spotlight search.

Step 2: Grant macOS Permissions

When you first open ExoPanda Recorder, macOS will ask for permission to monitor your inputs. This is a required security step built into macOS—it applies to all macro recorders, not just this one.

You will need to allow these permissions:

Permission Why It Is Needed
Accessibility Detects mouse clicks and keyboard presses system-wide
Input Monitoring Required on newer macOS to capture keyboard shortcuts

To grant permissions, go to Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security, then enable ExoPanda Recorder under each section. This is a one-time setup.

Privacy Note
These permissions stay entirely on your Mac. ExoPanda Recorder does not upload recordings, keystrokes, or screen data to any server. You can revoke permissions at any time in System Settings. See our full guide to macOS permissions for more detail.

Step 3: Record Your Actions

Now you are ready to record.

1

Click Record

In the ExoPanda Recorder window, click the REC button. The indicator turns red. The recorder is now capturing everything you do.

2

Perform Your Actions

Switch to the app you want to automate. Click buttons, type text, scroll—do exactly what you want the macro to replay later. Work at a deliberate pace; the recorder captures your timing.

3

Click Stop

When finished, return to ExoPanda Recorder and click STOP. The recording ends and you will be prompted to save.

Step 4: Save Your Macro

After stopping, give the macro a descriptive name so you can identify it later—for example “Fill Invoice Form” or “Export Weekly Report”. The file saves as a .exomacro file stored locally on your Mac.

Organization Tip
Create a dedicated folder for your macros in Documents. ExoPanda Recorder lets you browse and load any saved macro file from any location on your Mac.

Step 5: Replay Your Macro

1

Load the Macro

In ExoPanda Recorder, click Open and select your saved .exomacro file.

2

Position Your Windows

Make sure the target app's windows are in the same position as when you recorded. Click coordinates are absolute—if a window has moved, clicks will land in the wrong spot.

3

Press Play

Click PLAY in ExoPanda Recorder. The macro replays your recorded actions. Do not move the mouse or press keys while it runs.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Moved windows between recording and playback. Click coordinates are absolute screen positions. Keep your windows in exactly the same place as when you recorded.

Recording with typos or corrections. The macro captures everything including Backspace and corrections. Take your time and be deliberate when recording.

Not saving the macro. If you close without saving after stopping, the recording is lost.

Missing permissions. If playback does nothing, double-check that Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions are enabled in System Settings.

Next Steps

Now that you have recorded your first macro, explore more guides: