Loops and counters: use these techniques to create shorter macros. (Macro Basics) (column)

LOOPS AND COUNTERS

A macro is a list of keyboard instructions that causes 1-2-3 or Symphony to perform a worksheet task automatically. Range B1..B5 in the following figure contains a macro that converts a series of numbers into centered labels.

The instructions in each cell of the macro are identical because the macro performs the same task on five adjacent cells in a column.

To create this macro, start with a blank worksheet and enter the label [EDIT][HOME]*[is approx.][DOWN] in cell B1. (Remember to type a label-prefix character, such as an apostrophe, before the label itself.) Copy the contents of cell B1 to range B2..B5. Press slash (in Symphony, MENU), select Copy, indicate cell B1 as the range to copy from and B2..B5 as the range to copy to. To name the macro, enter the label a in cell A1, press slash (in Symphony, MENU), select Range Name Labels Right, indicate cell A1, and press Return. In 1-2-3 the macro name must consist of a backslash followed by a single letter. In …