Macros Won‘t Use Function Keys Depending on Type of Keyboard (All)

This information was provided by Claris Corporation on 16 March 1998, and incorporated into Apple Computer's Tech Info Library.
When recording macros in ClarisWorks 1.0 and ClarisWorks 2.0, you have the option of using either an Option-Command key equivalent or a Function key to execute your Macro.

However, if the macro is defined on a Macintosh with no function keys (the Apple Standard ADB Keyboard or Mac Plus keyboard), the only function key which can be assigned is F5 (for newly-opened documents) or the last-defined function key equivalent (for macros which have been defined using an extended keyboard). Additionally, although that f-key can be assigned, it cannot be executed on that keyboard. If the file is opened on a Macintosh with function keys, F5 will work correctly.

If the macro is created using a keyboard with function keys, the function key equivalents will remain assigned for the macro if the file is opened on a Macintosh without function keys. This means that you would have to select Play Macro in order to execute the macro, or remap the key equivalents so that option-command keys are used. If the macro will be used in a mixed environment with some extended keyboards and some standard keyboards, option-command equivalents should be used to prevent misunderstandings.

Published Date: Feb 18, 2012