The Basics of Macros
For the last year I've been providing you with a new macro each week. Today I'm going to step back and talk about the basics of downloading and using macros.
Some commercial macros, like EZ Metrics, come with an installer that will put all the files in the right place and add a toolbar and button to run the macro.
Other macros will require you to put files in the correct place. Then you can either navigate various menus and dialog boxes to run it or you can customize your workspace to add a button or shortcut key.
Those of you running Vista will need to put the GMS files in a folder similar to the one below:
C:\Users\Your Name\AppData\Roaming\Corel\Graphics14\User Draw\GMS
For Windows XP users, look inside of the Documents and Settings folder to find the relevant subfolders.
Replace "Your Name" with your user name. "Graphics14" represents CorelDRAW X4, so you may also need to change the number based on the version you are using.
An alternative is to put the files directly in a folder below where you installed CorelDRAW. If you installed in the default folder, it should be something like the location below:
C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4\Draw\GMS
If you installed in a different folder, look in that folder for the subfolders listed above. Again, you'll put the GMS file in that folder. Personally I find this the best way to install macros. Keep in mind that if you uninstall CorelDRAW, you may also uninstall the macros. In that case, make sure you have a backup copy of any macros so you don't lose them.
Once you have the macro files in the right place and you have restarted CorelDRAW, select Tools | Macro | Run Macro in CorelDRAW X4 or Tools | VBA | Play in previous versions of CorelDRAW. Once in the dialog box, select the macro you want to run and press the Run button. If you have a lot of macros, it may take a while to find the one you want.
A better way is to use Tools | Customization to add a custom button or shortcut key to run the macro for you.
Now that I've explained most of it, I'm going to suggest you go to the MacroMonster.com site where you'll find a movie showing you the complete process and a sample macro that you may want to have. While on the site, look around and you may find a number of macros you want to add to your copy of CorelDRAW.
Some commercial macros, like EZ Metrics, come with an installer that will put all the files in the right place and add a toolbar and button to run the macro.
Other macros will require you to put files in the correct place. Then you can either navigate various menus and dialog boxes to run it or you can customize your workspace to add a button or shortcut key.
Those of you running Vista will need to put the GMS files in a folder similar to the one below:
C:\Users\Your Name\AppData\Roaming\Corel\Graphics14\User Draw\GMS
For Windows XP users, look inside of the Documents and Settings folder to find the relevant subfolders.
Replace "Your Name" with your user name. "Graphics14" represents CorelDRAW X4, so you may also need to change the number based on the version you are using.
An alternative is to put the files directly in a folder below where you installed CorelDRAW. If you installed in the default folder, it should be something like the location below:
C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4\Draw\GMS
If you installed in a different folder, look in that folder for the subfolders listed above. Again, you'll put the GMS file in that folder. Personally I find this the best way to install macros. Keep in mind that if you uninstall CorelDRAW, you may also uninstall the macros. In that case, make sure you have a backup copy of any macros so you don't lose them.
Once you have the macro files in the right place and you have restarted CorelDRAW, select Tools | Macro | Run Macro in CorelDRAW X4 or Tools | VBA | Play in previous versions of CorelDRAW. Once in the dialog box, select the macro you want to run and press the Run button. If you have a lot of macros, it may take a while to find the one you want.
A better way is to use Tools | Customization to add a custom button or shortcut key to run the macro for you.
Now that I've explained most of it, I'm going to suggest you go to the MacroMonster.com site where you'll find a movie showing you the complete process and a sample macro that you may want to have. While on the site, look around and you may find a number of macros you want to add to your copy of CorelDRAW.
Labels: macro-monday
posted by Foster D. Coburn III at
1:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home