Macros are part of the Open Application Development (OAD) framework and enhance the software with the following features:

  • Control every aspect of the user interface, such as automating repetitive tasks or routine tasks composed of several steps
  • Interact with external software, such as ImageJ/Fiji

Basic Functionality

Note that all ZEN core versions (ZEN starter excluded) come with a basic macro functionality which allows to play existing macros within the software (Free Mode or OAD Macro tool).

Advanced Functionality

The Macro Environment module (licence required) enables you to load, preview, and run macros that are available on your system. It also contains the Macro Editor, which enables you to edit, run, or debug macros according to your needs or to write macros from scratch. The modular software interface of the software means that you can write macros but not record them automatically.

Python is used as the programming language for macros. The programming interface is implemented in the Macro Object Model. To open the Macro Object Model documentation, start the Macro Editor and navigate to Help > Macro Object Model…