Editing steps
Application area:
Most step-editing operations are available during the recording of a macro or when it is opened for editing. A saved macro may also be adjusted for a single run.
The step list
Each recorded action is represented by a step row containing:
Status dot. Located on the left of the row; also used to set a breakpoint
Caption. Describes the purpose of the step.
Editable parameters. Where present, one or more drop-downs or text fields.
Changing a parameter value
For a drop-down, the required value is selected; for a text field, the value is typed. The new value is retained with the step.
Marking a field as an input
Recording captures the values actually used. To convert a fixed value into an input supplied on each run of the macro, its field is marked as required:
- With the cursor over the step, press the
next to the field. - The field becomes an input (the field will be highlighted): the macro cannot be run until a value is supplied.
This mechanism is applied to values that change from part to part — a diameter, a level, an allowance.
Re-targeting a geometry item
Steps that reference an item in the model — a face, curve, hole, and so on — display that item as a field that allows re-selection:
- Click the field (the field will be highlighted).
- Select the new item in the 3D model.
The step updates to the selected item. The mechanism operates both during editing and for a saved macro before a run, which allows a single macro to be targeted at different geometry.
Removing a step
During recording or editing, with the cursor over the step, pressing the × at the end of the row removes the step from the macro.
Grouped steps
Related steps are folded under a group header that displays the group name — for example, Edit hole (5). Clicking the chevron on the header expands or collapses the group. Grouping simplifies the review of a lengthy macro.
