The macros facility in MC4D allows you to specify patterns of
specific move sequences once and then quickly apply them to the puzzle
multiple times in different positions. Macros are particularly well
suited to Rubik-type puzzles which are usually solved using repeated
use of a few short sequences of moves (called "algorithms") designed to
leave the puzzle unchanged except for permuting a few cubies. Macros
take the tedium out of applying these sequences by letting you stamp
them out like super moves.
Creating a macro
I highly suggest that you always create macros on a puzzle in the
solved state so that you can see exactly what it will do. If you want
to create a macro in the middle of a solution, first save your work
with the File > Save As
menu item and then use Edit >
Reset to return to the solved state. Create your macros and then
use File > Open to return
to your previously scrambled state.
There are three steps to creating a macro:
1 Specify three reference
stickers
2 Specify the macro moves
3 Name your new macro
Use the Macros > Start/Stop
Macro Definition menu item to begin creating a macro. You may
also find it convenient to use the Ctrl-M hotkey instead. Notice that
the sky will turn white to indicate that you are now in macro creation
mode. Notice also that the status bar at the bottom of the screen will
prompt you through the process. After you have clicked 3 reference
stickers, the sky will turn black and you will be prompted to specify
your macro moves. If you make a mistake or get confused, simply hit the
Esc key to cancel the entire process at any time and return to the
normal mode. Once you have successfully finished specifying reference
stickers and macro moves, click the Macros
< Start/Stop Macro Definition one more time to signal that
you are finished. You will then be prompted to name your macro. After
hitting OK, you will be returned to normal mode and your new macro will
be ready for use.
Using a macro
Before using a particular macro, orient your view so that you can
easily specify your reference stickers. Next, click the macro button
that you wish to apply. The sky will turn a salmon color, and the
status bar will ask you to click 3 reference stickers. After clicking 3
stickers in the same pattern as used when you created the macro, the
program will apply all of your macro moves to the puzzle and return to
normal mode.
Each macro that you create also creates a button labeled "Reversed".
Clicking that button instead of the corresponding custom named button
will apply your macro moves in reverse order and direction. You may
never need this ability but it could come in handy.
Another convenience feature is the Ctrl-A hotkey which automatically
applies the last macro that you used. This is helpful because you will
often use the same macro many times in a row and this is easier than
clicking the button each time.
Managing your macros
As mentioned above, the macros tab lets you rename, reorder, and
delete macros. It is important to save your macro collection to a file
for use in subsequent sessions.You can manage macro files like you
would any other data file and even share them with friends. Becoming
familiar with all the functions in the Macros menu and their hotkeys
will help make you a macro power user.
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