New Macro

On the File tab, in the Data File group: Select New Macro to create the default structure for a Macro file. Alternatively, use a template to copy the structure (and optionally the data) from an existing file.

A macro file (.MCR) contains instructions that call the functions and saved form sets you have used before. It can also contain special commands.

All macro files have a similar structure. Not all fields are required, however, the fields that are present must be in a specific order, which you should not change.

The file structure that is created has fields that are used differently depending on the instruction you use. For a description of the fields in a standard macro file refer to File Structure topic.

To create a Macro file:

  1. On the Script tab, in the Macros group, click New. The New Macro form is opened.
  2. Enter (or select) the name of the file you want to create. If you select the name of an existing MACRO file, you will be prompted to overwrite it.
  3. Optionally give the file a title (up to 40 characters).
  4. By default the Use template check box is selected.

    5. To create a Macro file with the default structure, clear the Use template check box. Go to Step 9.

  5. Select a Template file. By default the Current project check box is selected.

    6. To navigate to a file in another project, deselect the Current Project check box and select a different Project

  6. Click on the Select icon to select the name of the file you want to use as a template.
  7. By default, the Modify new file structure check box is selected.
  8. If you deselect the Modify check box, the Copy data check box is enabled. In other words, you can only copy data from the template file to the new file if their file structures are the same.

    9. To copy data from the template file, select the Copy data check box.

  9. To open the file for editing in the File Editor once it has been created, select the Auto open file for editing option.
  10. Click OK to create the new file.

To open an existing Macro file

Click Open to open a Macro file for editing in the File Editor.

Select the file and click Open, or double-click on the file name in the selection box.

After the file is opened, the first field is selected and waiting for your input. For information on how to enter data into the fields refer to the Edit topic.

Forms

Use the drop-down button menu to save the changes you have made as a form set, load a form set, or reset the form as the default form set:

Manage

To save the parameters you have defined and re-use them in other functions, select Manage button to create a form set or load an existing form set.

Save

Click Save to save your changes as the default form set.

Save As

Click Save As to save your changes as a new form set.

Reset

Click Reset to clear the form of all values and reset the form to its default state.

Collapse

Click Collapse, where available, to minimise the form so that only the title bar is visible. To restore the form, press the Esc key.