As human beings, we crave convenience and that’s not something new. Macros are a sequence of events in your mouse that can be easily played back with different yet repetitive tasks. It can include keystrokes, mouse clicks, delays, etc.
Some of these macros can also include replay sequences that are often quite complicated to run. Also, you can assign a macro on your Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center. This can be done with a specific key or a mouse button.
The Macro key can be used to assign and repeat a particular macro continuously without any hassle. Also, the macro feature uses the .mhm extension, which is later saved as an individual file in your system. If you are considering changing the macros in your mouse with that of the keyboard, those are interchangeable as well.
Although Macros on your mouse can indeed make your life easier, we’d still recommend that you avoid saving any kinds of sensitive information like passwords, login details, etc.
How to Record a Macro on your Mouse?
If your mouse has the specific Macro record button, you can easily record a macro while browsing through an application or while in the middle of a game. Based on your requirements, you can either choose to keep the designated macros or end up changing them later.
With the basic information out of the way, the next thing we have to focus on is the steps to record a macro on your mouse:
- Start the specific application or the game that you wish to record the macro
- Once that’s out of the way, you need to press the Macro button on your mouse. Once enabled, the Macro button on the mouse should switch to a steady glow. Also, if you have an LCD on the mouse, you should find a message, “Press Target Mouse Button” icon.
- Following that, you then need to press the mouse button for the activity you want to assign the macro function. You will find the Macro button blinking and the LCD should display the message, “Recording now”.
- You then need to follow the on-screen instructions and perform the designated actions for which you want to record the macro settings. It could be recording the keystrokes, mouse clicks, etc.
- Once you are done with the recording process, press down on the Macro record button once again to save the macro action to your mouse. Once the recording is finished successfully, the LCD will turn off automatically.
A few things you need to keep in mind regarding recording a macro on your mouse is the duration of idleness. If the macro button doesn’t detect any mouse clicks or keystrokes for 60 seconds or more, the recording will stop immediately.
If you want to record longer delays, it is ideal if you check the Settings in the specific Macro Editor. Also, users can’t assign macros to the primary click button, the Quick Launch button, the DPI On-the-fly buttons, or the Macros button itself. This is another thing you need to be mindful of.
How to Edit a Macro recorded on a Mouse?
Once you have successfully recorded the macro on your mouse, the next factor worth looking into is the editing process. Is it even possible? The short answer is yes. Once you have decided what you want to edit the macro recording for, here’s what you need to do:
- Click on the button or the key that you have configured to run the specific macro
- You should be able to find it under Macro Editor by tapping on the list of assigned Macro
- From the list, you need to select the Macro you wish to edit
- Again, tap on Edit to open the Macro Editor
- You can then select and make the relevant changes as you want
- Click on Back to save the edits you just made to the Macro
How to Run a Macro?
At some point, you will want to run your macro. This can be done by using the “Macros” dialog. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Macros dialog.
- Select the macro in the Macros dialog and click the “Run” option.
- An easy way to run a Macro is to assign it to a button control. For this, you will have to add the Developer tab to the ribbon. On the left-hand side, select File and then go to Options.
- Select Customise Ribbon, and then go to Customise the Ribbon.
- Choose Main Tabs and check the box beside the “Developer” option. When done, click OK.
- Once the Developer tab is enabled, add the button to your worksheet. Choose the Developer Tab and select the option “Insert”. Then select the Button control.
- Hold the left-click on the mouse and drag it to draw a rectangle. A new dialog box will appear with the title “Assign Macro” when you release the left-click. Now choose your Macro and hit OK.
- You can now run your macro from the worksheet with just a single click.
How to Toggle a Repeating Macro?
Moving on from the editing process, the next thing you need to focus on is to toggle the repeating macro. The steps are pretty simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Firstly, enable the Macro Repeat option for a macro and then press the key that is specifically assigned to the macro
- If you want to toggle the repeating macro, you need to press the key again to stop the macro from repeating continuously
Additionally, if you wish to start another macro, you’d need to press down on the macro key that’s assigned for that specific task. The Macro Repeat option doesn’t function in switching applications.
Conclusion
That’s all that you need to know about setting and programming a macro on your mouse the easy way and without any complications along the way. The only thing we’d recommend you do is to ensure that you buy a compatible mouse that comes with the option.
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