Automation Spy

Automation Spy lets you examine Windows interface elements through Microsoft UI Automation, revealing how visible controls are represented in the automation system. It addresses the difficulty of understanding an interface’s automation structure when the on-screen layout alone does not show its underlying relationships. The utility is designed for direct exploration rather than general-purpose document or application work.

You can navigate the hierarchy of UI Automation elements to see how controls are nested and inspect the attributes attached to each one. Instead of moving through the tree alone, you can point to an element with the mouse and select it directly. Automation Spy then connects that visible portion of the Windows interface with its corresponding automation element, making it easier to identify the control being examined. Simple buttons and controls keep the main inspection actions readily accessible.

The program suits developers, testers, and other Windows interface specialists who need to investigate automation behavior or map controls for automated interaction. It is especially useful when tracing an element’s place in the hierarchy or checking the properties exposed by a Windows interface. Automation Spy is a Windows utility from dDelta Solutions, and the current version is 1.1.0. It is freeware, so its use does not involve a purchase requirement.