A macro is a grouping together of commands and functions that is used to speed up the execution of an action.

A macro can be used to group together recurring drawing sequences or processes in one file (e.g. exporting with certain preferences).

The process is recorded once and can then be run at any time.

The two simple drawing exercises in this section will show you how to create macros.

The first example exercise involves recording a macro for producing a fuse symbol with a connecting line.

This macro can then be used when creating electric circuit diagrams. The macro can be run at any connecting point on the diagram and the symbol can be inserted in any orientation.

We will then show you how this macro can be added to a toolbar. Once it has been added to a toolbar, the macro can be run at the click of a mouse.

The second macro example exercise involves grouping together the following procedures: selecting elements that use a certain pen from a large range of elements using various pens and converting the selected elements to a new pen type.

We will then show you how easy it is to add other macro commands to the macro you have created (in this case, adding more pen types).

Pens need to be changed, for example, when certain file formats (e.g. DXF) are imported and the pens created in the CAD system have to be changed to the Arbortext IsoDraw standard pens. If you need to convert a large number of these files, macros can speed up the pen changeover process significantly.

Grid Alignment,Grid Snap, Element Snap, and Dimensions display must be on.

The plane view grid must be set in the Grids window (Show attribute window > Grids). The grid distance must be set at 5 mm (Preferences menu command, Grid dialog page). Both settings make drawing work easier.

Macros > Record macro command

Macros > Debug macro command

Toolbars command, create a new toolbar

Select command

Create a macro within a macro file (.ism)

more macros command, run macro