Maximizing Macro Keys: A Guide To Efficient Usage

Macros are a series of commands and instructions grouped together as a single command to automate frequently performed tasks. Macros are available in Microsoft Word, Excel, and programming languages like C and Rust. In Microsoft Word, macros can be recorded and run using buttons on the Quick Access Toolbar or keyboard shortcuts. In Excel, macros can be used to search for specific keywords within a cell of text. In programming languages, macros are defined using specific keywords, and their usage may vary depending on the language's syntax and conventions.

How to create a macro

Macros are a great way to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a macro:

Step 1: Enable the Developer Tab

The first step is to make sure that the Developer Tab is visible in your ribbon. This tab gives you access to various tools for creating and managing macros. To enable it, right-click anywhere on the ribbon and select "Customize the Ribbon". Then, under "Customize the Ribbon", select Main Tabs if necessary, and make sure the "Developer" checkbox is checked.

Step 2: Check Security Settings

Next, ensure your Macro security settings are correctly configured. On the Developer Ribbon, click on the "Macro Security" button under the "Code" section. Adjust the settings as needed.

Step 3: Save File as Macro-Enabled

If your workbook contains macros, be sure to save it as a Macro-Enabled Workbook. This is important to do at the beginning to avoid any potential loss of code. Go to "File -> Save As" and choose "Macro-Enabled Workbook" from the file type options before clicking "Save".

Step 4: Enter the Visual Basic Editor

To start creating your macro, enter the Visual Basic Editor. You can do this by clicking on the Visual Basic icon on the Developer Tab of the Ribbon, or by using the keyboard shortcut "Alt + F11".

Step 5: Create a Module

Macros are stored in Modules, so the next step is to create one. Look in the VBA Project Window, and if it's not visible, select "View -> Project Explorer" from the menu or use the shortcut "Ctrl + R". Right-click on the workbook where you want to place the code and select "Insert" and then "Module".

Step 6: Name and Create the Macro

Now it's time to actually create your macro. In the main code window, type "Sub" followed by the name of your macro (e.g. "MyFirstMacro") and press Enter.

Step 7: Add Code to the Macro

Add some code to your macro to define what it will do. For a simple example, you can use "MsgBox “Hello World”" to display a dialog box with the message "Hello World".

Step 8: Run the Macro

Finally, it's time to test your macro. Click anywhere inside the Macro, then select "Run -> Run Sub/UserForm" from the menu. If the cursor is not inside a Macro, VBA will display a list of available Macros for you to choose from.

Additional Tips:

• You can also create macros by recording actions instead of manually coding them. This can be useful for more simple macros.
• Consider using a stream deck or a one-handed keyboard to assign your macros, especially if you don't want to overwrite your existing keys.
• Be creative with your macros! They can be used for a wide range of tasks, from automating repetitive actions in games to launching frequently used programs or inserting commonly used text.

How to edit a macro

To edit a macro, follow these steps:

Step 1: Enable the Developer Tab

Before you can work with macros, you need to enable the Developer tab. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check Developer, and click OK.

Step 2: Access the Macro

On the Developer tab, in the Code group, click Macros. In the Macro name box, select the macro you want to edit.

Step 3: Open the Visual Basic Editor

Click Edit. The Visual Basic Editor will open, displaying the macro code.

Step 4: Edit the Macro Code

You can now modify the macro code as needed. You can delete sections of code to remove certain actions or edit the code to change the macro's behaviour.

Step 5: Save and Test the Macro

Once you have finished editing, click Save and close the Visual Basic Editor. Return to the main Excel window and test the edited macro to ensure it performs as expected.

It is important to note that macros are recorded in the Visual Basic programming language. While you do not need to be an expert in Visual Basic to edit macros, a basic understanding can be beneficial.

How to enable Macro Repeat

To enable Macro Repeat, follow these steps:

• In the Macro Editor, select a macro from the Available Macros.
• Click on the Edit Macro icon.
• In the Number of Times to Repeat edit box, enter the number of times you want the macro to repeat. Alternatively, you can use the Repeat Until option to repeat the macro until a specific condition is met.
• Click OK to save the settings.
• To start the repeating macro, press the key assigned to the macro.
• To stop the macro from repeating, press the button again, or press the key assigned to another macro.

Note that Macro Repeat does not support switching applications. For example, if you open a web browser while a macro is repeating in a game, the macro will stop. Also, a repeating macro does not include a time delay at the end of a sequence. If you want to add a delay, you can do so in the Editor box.

How to assign a macro to a key

Assigning a macro to a key can be done in several ways, and it depends on the software you are using. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assign a macro to a key:

Using Microsoft Excel:

• Go to the "Developer" tab and click on "Macros". Alternatively, you can press "Alt+F8" to open the Macro dialog box.
• Select the macro you want to assign a shortcut to and click "Options".
• In the "Macro Options" window, enter a letter, number, or symbol in the "Shortcut key" box. The shortcut will be in the form of "Ctrl+" or "Ctrl+Shift+". For example, if you enter "C", the shortcut will be "Ctrl+C".
• Click "OK" to save your changes and close the window.

Using Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center:

• Using the mouse you want to configure, start the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center software.
• In the list under the button you want to reassign, select "Macro".
• Click "Create a new Macro". An empty macro will be created and added to the macro list.
• Type the name of the new macro in the "Name" box.
• Click in the "Editor" box and enter your macro. You can record events such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and delays between actions.
• In the "Available Macros" list, ensure that the new macro is selected.

Using Microsoft Word:

• Click on "File", then "Options".
• Click on "Customize Ribbon".
• Click the "Keyboard shortcuts: Customize" button.
• In the "Categories" list, scroll down and select "Macros".
• In the "Macros" list, select the custom macro you want to assign a shortcut to.
• Click the "Press new shortcut key" text box to make it active.
• Type the desired shortcut key combination, such as "Ctrl+F".
• Look at the "Current keys" list to see if the shortcut is already assigned to another function.
• If you are okay with overriding the default shortcut, click the "Assign" button to assign the shortcut to your macro.
• Choose whether to save the changes in the "Normal.dotm" document template or a specific document.

Using Microsoft Visual Basic (VBA):

• Go to the "Developer" tab and click on "Visual Basic" or press "Alt+F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor (VBE).
• In the VBE, create a new module or use an existing one.
• Create a new subroutine (macro) and give it a name.
• In your subroutine, type "Application.OnKey" followed by a space.
• The Application.OnKey method has two parameters: "Key" and "Procedure". The "Key" is the keyboard shortcut combination, and the "Procedure" is the name of the macro.
• Enclose both parameters in quotation marks and separate them by a comma. For example: "Application.OnKey "+%v", "CopyPasteValues">.
• Run the new macro to bind the shortcut to the macro.

Using a Stream Deck or Macro Pad:

If you don't want to overwrite your existing keys or don't have macro keys on your keyboard, you can purchase a stream deck or macro pad, such as the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2. These devices allow you to assign macros easily without any programming knowledge required.

How to use macros in gaming

Macros are a great way to improve your gaming performance and make games easier to play. They are essentially sequences of events or keystrokes that can be played back to automate repetitive tasks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use macros in gaming:

Step 1: Choose Your Hardware

Start by selecting a keyboard or mouse with programmable macro keys or buttons. Some popular options include the Corsair K100 RGB, Logitech G815 Orion Spark, and Durgod Hades keyboards, as well as mice with a Macro Record button. These devices offer dedicated macro keys or buttons that can be customised.

Step 2: Record or Create Macros

Once you have your hardware, it's time to record or create your macros. For keyboards, follow these steps:

• Launch the Keyboard and Mouse Center software.
• From the Key Settings List, select the key you want to reassign.
• Choose "Macro" from the list under the selected key.
• Click on "Create a new Macro" to generate an empty macro, which will be added to the macro list.
• Type a name for your new macro in the Name box.
• Click on "Editor" and start recording your macro. You can include events like mouse clicks, keystrokes, and delays between actions.

For mice with a Macro Record button, simply start the game where you want to record the macro, press the Macro Record button, and perform the desired actions.

Step 3: Edit and Customise Macros

After recording your macros, you can edit and customise them further. You can insert delays, split events, and create more complex sequences. Additionally, you can assign macros to specific keys or buttons on your keyboard or mouse.

Step 4: Enable and Use Macros

Once you have created and assigned your macros, you can enable them in your games. Toggle them on or off manually or use hotkeys to activate them during gameplay. With your macros enabled, the specified sequences of actions or keystrokes will be executed automatically.

It's important to note that Macro Repeat, which allows for continuous repetition of a macro, does not support switching between applications. So, if you open another application while a macro is repeating, it will stop.

Macros are a powerful tool in gaming, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks, execute complex sequences, and improve your overall gaming experience.

Frequently asked questions