In general, macros are higher level processing functions that are constructed from simpler ones. A Data Explorer macro is a sequence of modules collected together that you can use as a single tool. This is useful if you have a sequence of modules that provide a function that you need frequently in your visual programs. Macros can help make your visual programs simpler by combining several tool icons into one.
Macros are themselves visual programs and are created in much the same way.
For example, the macro represented in Figure 75 maps data onto a plane, colors it, and then performs a deformation using the RubberSheet module. It is constructed by placing the appropriate tool icons on the VPE canvas and connecting them. Macro's inputs and outputs are represented by the Input and Output tools from the Special category. A macro has at least one input or output. Place the Input icon on the canvas and connect it to the appropriate tool icon input tab.