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 methods available to create macros with Macro Express. The simplest is to capture (record) keystrokes and mouse movements. Another method is to use the Quick Wizards to build a macro through a series of questions and prompts. Or build more complex macros with the easy to use Script Editor or Direct Editor. This tutorial section provides examples of creating macros using each of these methods.

Macro Playback Options

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 typed on the keyboard, it is erased and the assigned macro executes. For example, type a small string such as #add to insert an address into another application.

3)      A Scheduled Macro executes on a given time schedule.

4)      A Window Activated macro runs when a specific window gains focus (appears) on the computer screen.

5)      Trigger a macro 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)      Activate a macro through a Batch File or Command Line.

8)      Execute macros by using Windows API calls or Windows Explorer.

9)      Run a macro from the Macro Explorer by using the Run Macro Now option.

10)  Start a macro when a particular word or phrase is copied to the Clipboard.

11)  Invoke a macro when the information in a specified File or Folder changes.

12)  Activate macros when a Process starts or stops running or when the TCP/IP stack becomes available or unavailable.

13)  Trigger macros from a System Event, such as a Windows message, screen resolution or color change.

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. The Macro Scopes tutorial shows how this works.