Automating Repetitive Actions by Using Macros

While developing code in Visual Studio, you sometimes find yourself repeatedly performing a particular procedure or series of keystrokes. In previous versions of Visual Studio, with the exception of Visual C++, the only way to do this was to tediously perform the actions over and over again. But now, in Visual Studio, you can automate the process by using macros.

If you have used Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, you are probably familiar with macros. A macro is a set of instructions saved in a file (.Vsmacros) that can be executed later. You can either create the macro manually by typing the code in the Macros IDE, or you can have the environment record a macro for you automatically as you type and click. After a macro has been created, you can run it from Macro Explorer, the Find/Command box, or the Macros IDE, or you can use a keyboard shortcut to execute it.

Macros are also very helpful for learning about and programming against the Visual Studio Automation Object Model. For more information, see Creating Add-Ins and Wizards.

To learn more about

See

Creating and recording macros.

How to: Record Macros

Various ways to run macros and pass parameters.

How to: Run Macros

Troubleshooting macros and macro recording and running issues.

Macro Recording and Running Issues

How to edit an existing macro or manually create a new one.

How to: Edit and Programmatically Create Macros

How to debug a macro.

Debugging Macros

Macro Explorer and its context menus.

How to: Manage Macros

How to reference COM and .NET Framework components in macros.

How to: Reference COM and .NET Framework Components in Macros

The EnvironmentEvents template and the OnMacrosRuntimeReset event.

How to: Handle Environment Events in Macros

Security and sharing issues with macros.

Macros Security and Sharing Issues

Macro Tools

The following tools help you record, run, debug, and edit macros.

  • Macro Explorer   This tool lists all macros available in the environment and is your main tool for viewing and executing macros. The top-most node contains macro projects, including the default project named MyMacros. Each macro project contains one or more modules, which in turn contain individual macro commands. Newly recorded macros appear as a command named TemporaryMacro, under a module called RecordingModule, which is under the project that is marked as the recording project. You can double-click a macro command to run it. To display Macro Explorer, press ALT+F8, or choose Macro Explorer on the Other Windows submenu on the View menu. For details about Macro Explorer, see Macro Explorer Window.

  • Find/Command box   After you have recorded or created a macro, you can run it from the Find/Command box on the Visual Studio toolbar or in the Command window in Command mode. The specifics of this are covered in How to: Run Macros.

  • Recorder Toolbar   When you initiate the recording of a macro, the Recorder Toolbar appears to help you with the process. It has buttons for starting, stopping, pausing, and canceling recording. Alternatively, you can use the Macros submenu on the Tools menu or keyboard shortcuts to control macro recording. For details about recording macros, see How to: Record Macros.

  • Macros IDE   To edit or debug your existing macros, or to create new ones, use the Macros IDE. To view the Macros IDE, press ALT+F11 or choose Macros IDE on the Macros submenu on the Tools menu. The Macros IDE closely resembles the main Visual Studio environment, but it is a separate environment designed solely for creating, editing, debugging, and running macros.

Note

VS Macros do not currently support Windows Forms.

See Also

Concepts

Macro Recording and Running Issues

Reference

Macro Explorer Window

Macros

Other Resources

Creating Add-ins and Wizards