AutoMate Web browser drop action

Why is something as simple as automating a web browser drop down selection not included in AutoMate actions. Yes you can set text.  However the problem is the web page has an event when item is selected and since it was not selected the event doesn't execute.  We really need action to select value/item from drop down list on web page.  Please don't say you can use move mouse action... to many issues with that type of automation. 

Yes, this is always tricky using Automate. There are some ways to get around it. 

This is one way

- Click on drop down using mouse action
- Use keyboard action to send "Down" until you have marked the selection you need
- Send keyboard action "Enter"

If that doesn't trigger the even you can try to replace the last step with "Mouse Press" action instead

Hi Mats, 

Thank you for the reply.

The drop down I’m dealing with is dynamic so not really an option.  I need to assign value to the drop down.  There is a jQuery change event not triggering.   However, have the same issue on fields that have JavaScript event tied to them.  Since 2006 I have not seen this support offered in AutoMate where other automation platforms handle this. Why?

Hi Nick,

Would it be possible to set-up a remote support session where we can take a closer look at this issue? If this is possible please send an email over to [email protected] with a list of your availability. Also please verify the Operating System of the machine in question and it's bit level, as well as the version and bit level of the AutoMate software.
Note: Please reference this forum thread in your email.

Hi Justin,

The site I'm trying to automate isn't something I can share (sensitive information).  However you can try the site below

https://css-tricks.com/examples/DynamicDropdown

AM9 Steps below. Notice when you run AutoMate the second drop down does not populate because the event behind the drop down is not executed. This is not just on drop downs. Hence why I've been asking for support to run JavaScript and perform events.

<AMBROWSER URL="https://css-tricks.com/examples/DynamicDropdown/&quot; />
<AMBROWSER ACTIVITY="setvalue" VALUE="Snacks" ATTRIBUTE="" HTMLID="text-one" />

This issue happens on AM9 and AM11.  On the following OS: Windows 2010, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016

Was this ever solved?  I am trying to set an element that has a drop down but it doesn't populate.

Hi Margaret, As of most current release still doesn't support using web browser actions.  

I have done done much with jQuery, but you can simulate the java actions of a web page after you have entered the value into the drop down list via automate. For example, if you want to trigger an arrow up (which actually sets the field) you can do this. But you will need to understand javascript in order to get this to work. It isn't straight forward, so yeah, totally agree, if this could be built in it would be great.

Hi Steven,   

Thank yuu for the reply.

When trying to set value using javascript are you using the web navigate method where URL is javascript + parms?  I tried this and it sets the value in the drop down but automate never sees browser as done loading so task execution is stuck.  How are you using javascript successfully to set the value?