Macros, by definition,
are a series of commands that are assigned to a single keystroke. They are designed to help you perform tasks
that are frequently repeated. Here,
macros are a command or a series of commands that are tied to one of the
function keys (F2 through F12 [excluding F1]).
Each function key can be used either alone, or with the Alt, Shift or
Ctrl keys. This allows you many
specific keys which you can customize to your liking. Once a command or series of commands have been assigned to a
macro, pressing the appropriate function key will invoke the command(s) just as
if you typed them out yourself. This
can be especially handy when you have a long list of commands to remember, like
directions to a particular area for example.
Note: While F1 is not
available (it’s used for the help topics), Alt+F1, Shift+F1 and Ctrl+F1 are
still available.
You are also given
the number keys on the number pad for macro availability as well. These keys include Numpad0 through Numpad9,
as well as NumpadD (the number pad decimal point key) Numpad/, Numpad*, Numpad-
and Numpad+. See the section on using
macros below for the default values associated with these keys.
Note: You can only use
the number pad macros when then Num Lock status of your keyboard is engaged.
Macros can be
invoked from any command, anywhere (not just the function keys). If the command is identical to the macro
name (case sensitive), that macro will be fired. For example, if an event action called “F2” as a command, the
event action will, in turn, fire off the commands associated with the macro
“F2.”
Macros
Screen Elements
Macros Grid
This grid displays
all macros that are available for you to customize. Use the mouse or arrow keys to select the macro you desire. If any macros have commands assigned to them,
they will appear in this grid with a silver background.
Macro
Script
This script displays all commands assigned to the macro currently selected in the grid. If the script is empty, there are no commands currently assigned to that macro. You can freely edit as you like in this field. Each individual line will be read as an individual command when the macro is executed.
Script Buttons
Undo | Undo | Undoes any changes recently made to the script | |
A/M | Alias/Macro grabber | Insert an alias or macro | |
f(x) | Function grabber | Insert a function into the script | |
@ | Variable grabber | Insert a specific variable into the script | |
Eraser | Clear script | Clears the entire script |
Note: You can enter comments/remarks into scripts by using the letters "REM" (all must be uppercase) as the first three characters in the command. This basically tells Portal© to completely ignore that line.
This area lists the
special macros. If any are assigned,
they are color coded to their appropriate macro in both the Macros Grid and the
Key Mapping Buttons. Use the Set
buttons to set the currently selected macro as the desired macro (Login, Panic
or Unpanic).
Key Mapping Buttons
Press any one of
these keys to select that particular macro and display any commands currently
assigned to it. If a key’s associated
macro has any commands assigned, the button label will appear in bold white.
Close Button
Closes the Macros
Screen.
Using
Macros
As described above,
macros can be wonderful tools in helping you perform many tasks with the click
of only one button. Use the following
list of points to help you understand exactly how they work.
Macros are engaged
immediately
Unlike aliases,
macros are sent the moment the function key is pressed. This means that you don't have to hit return
after pressing the macro key.
These buttons can
be configured to appear on the Toolbars (they don’t appear by default). The buttons appear as a large yellow “M”
with a small black number in front of it.
The number identifies the function key the button is connected to. For example, the button with the “2” on it
is assigned to the macro contained in Ctrl+F2.
Some people like hitting the Ctrl+F2 buttons on the keyboard, others
like clicking the toolbar buttons with the mouse. It’s up to you, both activate the same macro.
Sometimes it is not
desirable to have all commands in a macro fire off all at once. In these cases, you can insert a delay of up
to 99 seconds between commands. To
insert a delay, simply type the word “wait” followed by the number of seconds
of delay. For example: “wait 2” as the
2nd command would mean that the 1st command would fire off, then there would be
a 2 second delay, then the 3rd command would be invoked.
You can also insert
a random delay between commands using the “rwait” command. The format for using
rwait is exactly like the format for wait, save that the delay will be a random
number from 0 to the number given.
Using the above example, if you used “rwait 5” the 1st command would
fire off, then there would be a random delay of anywhere from 0 to 5 seconds,
then the 3rd command would be invoked.
Note: The delay is
randomized every time the macro is used.
Of
course you can change them, just as you could any other macro, we simply
provided these using the most popular template.
Numpad8 move north (n)
Numpad9 move northeast (ne)
Numpad6 move east (e)
Numpad3 move southeast (se)
Numpad2 move south (s)
Numpad1 move southwest (sw)
Numpad4 move west (w)
Numpad7 move northwest (nw)
NumpadD move up (u)
Numpad0 move down (d)
Numpad5 ;look;search (look & search,
used as parsed commands)
Numpad/ not set
Numpad* not set
Numpad- not set
Numpad+ not set