Macro Pages, Templates, Controls, Resources, and Libraries

The general concept behind macro pages distinguishes between templates, controls, resources, and libraries.

Macro Pages

A macro page is a user interface document that describes which controls and templates are used, how they are graphically arranged, and how the controls are connected to engine or script parameters. The document is saved as an XML file and can be compared to an HTML page describing a web page. A macro page can be created independently from any HALion program and then be combined with it at a later stage. Macro pages contain a list of resources (bitmaps, fonts) and a list of templates that are referenced on it.

Templates

A template is a group of control elements. A template can be used multiple times on a macro page, each time with different values in the Properties section. Templates are organized in the Templates Tree. You can create your own templates, either from scratch in the Templates Tree or by combining controls that are used on a macro page.

Controls

A control is a basic element, like a text field, menu, switch, knob, etc., that can be added to a macro page. The behavior and appearance of the controls is specified in the Properties section. Some controls can be directly connected to engine and script parameters, others have display functionality and use resources like bitmaps and fonts.

Resources

Most controls require resources like bitmaps or fonts to display something on the screen. These resources are organized in the Resources Tree.

Libraries

Libraries are identical to macro pages, except that they do not include a functional user interface. Instead, libraries contain a collection of templates and their resources. Using the Resource/Library Browser, you can drag templates from a library onto a macro page. This adds an instance of the template, as well as all necessary components, to your macro page. Libraries can be edited in the same way as macro pages. You can export them to exchange them with other users or customers.