Create a Macro 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.

Use the  Tools | Macros | New menu option, not the (File | New | New Macro menu option) to create the default structure for a macro file (which contains all the necessary fields).

Alternatively, use a template to copy the structure (and optionally the data) from an existing file.

To create a new macro file with the default file structure

  1. Select the Tools | Macros | New menu option.
  2. Enter a filename and optional title (up to 40 characters).
  3. Clear the Use template check box and click OK. A file of type MACRO is created.

 To create a new macro based on an existing file

  1. Select the Tools | Macros | New menu option.
  2. Enter a filename and optional title.
  3. Select the Use template check box and click the templates button.
  4. Complete the entries as required. If you also want to copy the data, select Copy data ?.
  5. Click Close and then OK. The program now creates a file with the same structure as the template you selected. 

You can also use an existing macro file to enter your instructions

  1. Select the Tools | Macros | Open menu option.
  2. Select an option from the Mode box.
  3. Select the file and click Open, or double-click on the file name in the selection box.

 To open an existing macro file from the File menu

  1. Select the File | Open | Open Macro menu option.
  2. Select an option from the Mode box.
  3. Select the file and click OK, or double-click on the file name in the selection box.

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 The macro file structure topic.

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 a macro topic.

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