The main advantage of using a macro recorder is that it allows a user to easily perform complex operations much faster and with less effort without requiring custom computer programming or scripting.
Most word processors, text editors, and other office programs have a built-in macro recorder to automate the user's actions.
A standalone macro-recorder program allows a user to "record" mouse and keyboard functions for "playback" at a later time.
This allows automating any activity in any software application: from copy-pasting spreadsheet data to operating system maintenance actions.
This can cause problems when trying to play back a macro if the user's desktop environment has changed.