Tutorial - Introduction

A macro is a set of commands that can be played back at will to perform a given task. These tasks can be something simple such as inserting your name and address into a word processor to something more complex such as launching a program, copying data from it, activating another program, pasting the data into it and repeating this several times. Tasks performed by macros are typically repetitive in nature allowing significant savings in time by executing the macro instead of manually repeating the commands.

 

Macro Creation

There are several ways to create macros with Macro Express. One method is to capture (record) your keystrokes and mouse movements. Another method is to use the Quick Wizards. The Quick Wizards guide you through a series of questions and build the macro for you. Or you can build your own macros with the easy to use Scripting Editor or Direct Editor. This tutorial will give examples of creating macros through each of these methods.

 

Macro Playback Options

Macro Express offers several ways to execute macros. These include the use of Hot Keys, ShortKeys, Timed Macros, Window Activation, Mouse Clicks and Popup/Floating Menus.

 

  1. A Hot Key is a set of keys on the keyboard that are pressed to initiate the macro. This could include pressing CTRL+ALT+R or CTRL+F12 or any number of combinations.

  2. A ShortKey is a small string of characters. When a matching combination is keyed in from the keyboard, it is erased and the assigned macro executes. You could use the small string of #add to type out your address.

  3. A Scheduled macro is one that executes on a given time schedule.

  4. For Window Activation, a macro runs when a specific window gains focus (appears) on your computer.

  5. A macro may be triggered by clicking on a specific area of the screen with the left, right or middle Mouse button.

  6. A Popup Menu or Floating Menu is basically a list of defined macros. Once the list is displayed, click on the desired macro or press an associated number or letter to execute the macro.

  7. A Control Activated macro allows you to start a macro when a specific Window Control, such as a button, edit box, etc., is active.

 

Macro Scopes

This guide will also discuss the scope of a macro - or the restrictions you have placed on the macro. You can assign macros to play back in all Windows programs, in one specific window or program, or in every program except the one you define. We'll also go through a few examples of how to do this.