Save multiple nested workflows as one macro?

[TH]

I have a project that, because of its scope and structure, requires multiple nested macros.

The user feeds input into a batch macro (3) that calls a standard macro (2) that calls another batch macro (1). There exist, also, two small macros inside macro (2) that are the equivalent of simple useful functions in a scripting language.

I want to combine all five of these into one package (or "project" or whatever-it-is-called) that I can then save to a folder for user-generated Alteryx macros. I want to end up with one thing that I can call, perhaps named something like "Macro4" that includes all the parts. I do not want users to be able to call either of (2) or (1) on its own.

This is kind of like a workflow group; I do not think it is the same thing. I am not trying to save or open multiple things at once. I would rather that a user not to have to open all five macros just to use the outermost one. It is possible that I might want to open up everything at some point in the future to make adjustments, but that should be a rare occurrence compared to the everyday use of the whole macro setup.

Does Alteryx provide a way for me to package up these five things and display only one macro in the toolbar?

[abacon]

Does the input for the nested macros need to be updated at all? If not, couldn't you just throw your macros into one big master macro that takes the users data and passes through your macros? I don't think alteryx allows for a packaged macro in the way you are asking but your ask should be possible. Do you have a screenshot to show what you are trying to do specifically?

[caltang · Accepted solution]

One way around this is to have the main macro in the main macros tab, and the sub macros in the sub macros tab.

[caltang · Accepted solution]

I do it this way:

https://www.thedataschool.co.uk/chris-meardon/where-to-save-macros-alteryx-tip/#:~:text=If%20you%20g.... 

[TH]

Abacon -

I do predefine the expectations of some parameters. What is actually input is user-defined, though. For example, I specify that the users give me SQL queries that output a particular set of columns. I cannot guarantee how much data those queries will return or whether that data will be complete (all dates in a range). Hence much of my macro has to be dynamic to handle different amounts of input.

caltang -

Interesting idea. Unfortunately, I do not control which folders are present and can be used for team-wide Alteryx macros. No "submacros" folder exists to use that is accessible to and set up for everyone on my team. It sounds like a potentially useful idea, though. Perhaps I can speak to the right people to get something like that set up. 

[caltang]

I'm sure it can be configured for a team environment. Otherwise you can package it as a .yxi like this: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works/How-To-Package-Macros-amp-Tools-Into-a-Yxi-Alteryx-Ins...

https://help.alteryx.com/current/en/developer-help/platform-sdk/legacy-sdks/python-engine-sdk/yxi-pa...

Easier for end users.

[TH]

caltang -

It is the "I'm sure it can be done" thing that I am asking about. I know how to save individual macros to the team's folder. What I do not know is how to package this all up and put it in the team's folder as one singular tool/macro. What are the steps for "configuring this for a team environment"?

Packaging the whole thing as a .yxi file sounds like a step in the direction I want. I could not find a way to manually specify where it would be installed. My goal is not that I send the .yxi file to individuals one at a time or that everyone on the team installs it in their own location but that I put it in a shared repository that anyone can reference with their Alteryx Designer software (Options > User Settings > Edit User Settings > Macros). Any input on how I specify install location?