How to Simplify Your Electrical Schematic Design with Macro Technology

In the world of EPLAN, a macro is a section of schematics or even a whole section of the project, which can be saved for later use. It is, therefore, possible to prepare macros for repeated parts of the circuit, from the smallest, which only contains specific devices (frequency converters, PLC, sensors, etc.) to parts of the circuit such as a motor output or a measuring loop, up to multi-page diagrams containing the main supply, DC power distribution, service sockets, lighting... everything that is repeated in projects. It's common for designers to use the copy-paste method for this. This is not wise for many reasons, but primarily it can possibly duplicate errors and does not lead to standardisation.

Types of macros

There are two types of macros: windowed and paged.

Window macros are sections of diagrams that can then be inserted into other pages or projects. Similar to symbols, they can contain variants, and therefore before inserting, you can use the Tab key to select from the macro variants, such as the number of PLC connections, sensor type or variants for connection to terminal blocks/ busbar.

Page macros can contain one or more pages with complete circuits. This is often used to insert the core of the project, which will be further worked on, or to insert entire more extensive functions that are included in the project as variants according to the customer's wishes.

Creating macros

Macros, whether windowed or paged, are files stored in master data folders. This may sound unimportant for working with them, but precisely the omission of this fact leads to the most common problems with the fact that we cannot find the macro, a different or old version of the macro is inserted, etc.

Macros are always created based on an already existing scheme. Whether window or page macros, you must always select symbols (pages) and select Create... from the context menu.

We will show the procedure on window macros because there are more settings in them, but it is similar for page macros, only with a smaller number of options.

As already mentioned, macros are a file - so first you need to choose a directory and file name. We recommend saving macros in the EPLAN master data (Data\Macros folder). This is the default directory that can be referenced later with shortcuts from the article database, but most importantly it is automatically loaded into the embed Insert center.

The subsequent structure of the directories in which the macros are stored should reflect their use and the logic of what is drawn in them.

Subsequently, you need to select the representation type. If we have correctly drawn the pattern from which we are creating the macro into the correct type of representation, it should be correctly selected in advance. If it is not - it is better to check from which representation type we create the macro and remove the error in advance.

For each of the display types, 26 letter-marked variants can be created. Thus, several variants of A can be stored in one macro, as long as they are each for a different type of representation type. This is common for devices where we simultaneously have variant A for the schematic and another variant A for the overview display.

Finally, it is possible to fill in the description and confirm the creation of the macro (file) with the OK button.

Inserting a macro is then possible from the collection of macros in the insertion center:
If the macro was not in the collection - you can start the synchronisation of folders with macros using Master data > Macros > Macro collection.

If this doesn't help either - verify that the macro file has been created and is in the required master data folder.

Macro project

In the previous step, we showed you how to manually create macros. But how to subsequently manage, edit and version them? How to keep track of what macros are already created and where they are saved? This is what the macro project is for. This project should contain your kind of library, a database in which you will manage all the macros.

If you are more interested in creating a macro project, using the macro navigator and other advanced techniques, check out our advanced training course.

Copy and paste

Finally, a small thought, why use macros and not just copy from old projects?
We often use the phrase - the copied bug has the longest lifespan. The problem with copying is that it is not controlled. Was there a mistake in that project? Was there customisation that we don't do otherwise? If we discover a problem, where should we fix it? And could we copy a version with the same error?

Macro technology, especially in combination with the macro project, represents a clear source for us, from which we draw and where we correct any problems we find. Where we propose alternative solutions for future orders or less experienced colleagues. Macros further open the way to project generators and configurators and eliminate repetitive routine work. And that's worth a little preparation.

Choose one of the extension training courses and learn to use the EPLAN Electrical drawing software more effectively.