PC Access Flyer Reference Guide

for PC Access Flyer 1.02.022

Template Designer Macros

This topic is geared toward the advanced user who has a basic understanding of how macros function within a program. Working with macros is probably the most technically demanding aspect of creating flyer templates. Although not essential, some programming experience may prove helpful. The Flyer program does not provide syntax error messages. Be prepared for some trial and error when working with macros.

There are several general rules to consider when working with Template Designer macros:

·  You must open the appropriate Edit/Enter Text window in the Template Designer to work with macros. Click here for instructions on opening the Edit/Enter Text window.

·  Template Designer macros contain a macro name, followed by one or more parameters enclosed in quotes and separated by commas.

·  There are no spaces between parameters in a macro.

·  When a field name is part of a macro, the pipe symbols ( | ) are part of the actual field name and must be enclosed in quotes.

·  You must account for ALL appropriate quotes and commas in a macro's syntax.

·  Macro names are not case sensitive: therefore, you may enter them using any combination of upper- and lower-case letters.

·  You CANNOT nest macros: you cannot run a macro within a macro.

·  You CANNOT use "And" or "Or" arguments within a macro.

·  Parameters you set in the Empty Field Text box in the Options window may affect how macros perform. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the Empty Field Text function before working with macros.Click here for more information.

·  When searching for a field that was empty when you downloaded it, you may search for "" or "<N/A>" which would both be interpreted as blank. We advise you to use the @NULLVALUE comparison operator, which accounts for any substitutions made in the Empty Field Text option. Click here for more information about the @NULLVALUE command.

The Flyer program offers three macros that may be useful when designing flyer templates: Immediate If, Feature List, and Feature Items. We will discuss in detail each of these macros in the sections that follow.

More:

Immediate If Macro

Feature List Macro

Feature Items Macro

Last modification date: Friday, January 17, 2003 00:58:18