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Macro Express 3.8.1.1 vs Macro Express Pro 4.3.0.1


dforionstar

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While Macro Express Pro has additional features many of them very useful, when compared to the non-Pro version (Macro Express 3.8), the Pro version suffers from hard-coded non-dynamic fonts, especially in the Command List, Grid, and Categories List. This essentially make the Pro version much more difficult to work with on higher resolution displays because hard-coded/non dynamic fonts remain too small or tiny on many of these higher resolution displays. Pro also lacks the ability to change Grid and Category fonts. In the Pro version, only Script fonts can be changed, while fonts for all three areas can be changed in Macro Express 3.x.

 

Fortunately, Macro Express 3.x (non-Pro) does not suffer from this built-in limitation. Anyone deciding which version to purchase may want to consider this in their evaluation.

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Not everybody needs the Pro version. Much depends on the kinds of scripts one develops, and how much time one spends scripting. I find the Pro version preferable for complex projects, but in a pinch, ME is perfectly serviceable. Only occasionally do I need an MEP feature.

 

For a novice, Macro Express is excellent. In fact, it's the best introduction that I know of. (I have taught many introductory courses on macro scripting, and I have always used ME. The Pro version would be overkill.)

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Alan, I agree with you, but this does not address the difficulty in reading the smaller, non-dynamic, non-user-changeable fonts in the Pro version.

 

I recently discovered an opportunity to use the Get Pixel Color option only found in the Pro version. I didn't think the font issue was really a bug so I posted the concern here. I would sure like to get a response from Insight Software Solutions, or better yet see it corrected in the Pro version.

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I have simplified the display of the macro scripts to enhance legibility, including removing the icons and rearranging the columns so the ones I need to see most often are on the left. But you are right, it would be very nice to be able to increase the font size...

 

It would also be nice to give focus to a command by typing its name, rather than entering a search mode, holding down arrow keys, or using the mouse. In Version 3.x, one could, in the blink of an eye, navigate to a command nicknamed "XXX" in a list of 500 commands by typing "xxx." This doesn't work in Pro; instead, you have to press Ctrl+F, wait for the window to appear, type xxx, press Enter, and then press Esc. Maybe I should file a feature request...

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Ah! At least two users are now requesting scalable fonts in Pro like Version 3.x has :) . I use a business class 15.4" notebook with 1680 x 1050 resolution and tiny non-scalable fonts are a pain (as they are on most higher resolution monitors). I can lower my LCD resolution down to 1440 x 900. The fonts are now bigger but everything gets fuzzier; either way it is a frustrating experience.

 

It seems there are other functional/navigation/usability advantages to Version 3.x as well. Users should not have to lose these (from Version 3.x) for the additional features available in Pro. Perhaps we should forward this thread to the developers/support?

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