Quick Start Guide

Macro Express Pro is a utility to help you automate repetitive computer tasks. In the process it will save you time and money.

This guide covers a few basic concepts to help you better understand Macro Express.

Starting Macro Express

The default installation of Macro Express places a shortcut in the Windows Startup folder.  This action causes Macro Express to load every time Windows starts. To open the Macro Express window do one of the following:

1. Press the system hot key of Ctrl + Alt + Shift + W

2. Left click on the Macro Express icon in the Windows notification area.
 

      3. If the icon is hidden, left click on the triangle button to show the hidden icons. Left click on the Macro Express icon.
 

Player and Editor

Macro Express is comprised of two main components, the Macro Express Player and the Macro Express Editor.

Macro Express Player

The Macro Express Player is what executes macros and it must be running in order for macros to play back. When you run Macro Express, you are really running the Player.

By default, the Macro Express Player shows up as an icon in the notification area. From this icon you can invoke the Macro Express Editor or shut down the Macro Express Player.

You can optionally set the Macro Express Player to be completely hidden so that no icon shows in the notification area. With this option set, you would need to use the "System Macros" to invoke the editor or terminate the program.

Macro Express Editor

The Macro Express Editor is the tool used to create and edit macros. The Editor cannot be run by itself. The Player needs to be running in order to open the Editor.

Macros

A macro is a script containing commands that automate computer tasks. Each command performs one step, such as moving the mouse, launching a program or entering keystrokes.

There are several methods available for creating macros. No programming language or special skills are required or necessary.

1.Over two dozen Quick Wizards guide you through a series of questions and build the macro for you.

2.Record keystrokes and mouse movements with the easy to use Capture process.

3.Utilize the Script Editor or Direct Editor to write more powerful macros.
 

Macro Activation

Macro Express provides a number of options for executing (running) a macro.

1.Press a hotkey such as Ctrl + R or Alt + F11. Choose from over 840 combinations.

2.Type a shortkey - a short letter combination from 2 to 32 characters.

3.Run the macro on a schedule - hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or practically any other schedule.

4.Run automatically when a window opens or closes.

5.Click on a specific area of a screen or window.

6.Use popup or floating menus

7.Run a macro when a specific directory has been modified

8.Initiate a macro based on the contents of the clipboard

9.Plus others ...

Files

Macros shown in the Macro Express Pro - Explorer window are saved to a .mex macro file. The Explorer window displays the name of the .mex file in use and its location.

When the program is first installed, two .mex files are created - macex.mex and samples.mex.

macex.mex

On initial installation, this file does not contain any macros. It is suggested that you start with this file to write and save new macros.

samples.mex

The samples.mex file contains a number of sample macros that you may use for reference. It is recommended that you do not use this file as the default to create and store macros.

Additional .mex macro files may also be created for use. Open the Macro Express Pro - Explorer window and click on File and New File to create a new file. Or click on File and Open File to load in a file that you previously created and subsequently closed.

Converting from prior versions of Macro Express

Some preferences are not transferred from prior versions of Macro Express. You will need to configure Macro Express Pro by clicking Options and Preferences in the Macro Express Editor. Read the help topic “Upgrading from v3.x” in the Macro Express help for more information.

Tutorials

Written Tutorials and Video tutorials walk you through the process of creating and running macros.

Context Sensitive Help

Macro Express contains extensive help. Access the appropriate help topic by clicking the Help menu or by pressing F1 in any open Macro Express window.