Abstract: Method of programming an electronic processor to control an apparatus in which a tool performs a series of discrete operations on a work piece. Initially a pattern is traced manually by a tracer to reflect working of the tool on the work piece with the processor in "Record" mode and input position and location signals are simultaneously generated and recorded to reflect the relative positions of the tracer and pattern. When programmed, the processor is set in "Playback" mode and output position and location signals are fed to apparatus to position tool on work piece reflecting pattern and tracer positions. For accurate positioning of tool and work piece, pattern is a template with tooling indexes that could be made on template in "Record" mode, if desired.