[Tex/LaTex] What are a good set of macros for writing beamer presentations

beamermacrospresentations

I previously asked about tricks for reducing typing when writing beamer presentations. I thought it might be useful to write a few macros for common commands.
E.g., something like this:

\newcommand{\bi}{\begin{itemize}}
\newcommand{\ei}{\end{itemize}}
\newcommand{\be}{\begin{enumerate}}
\newcommand{\ee}{\end{enumerate}}
\newcommand{\bb}{\begin{block}}
\newcommand{\eb}{\end{block}}

I'm always a little wary about defining macros in case it introduces issues.
In particular, I encountered problems when trying to write a macro for \begin{frame}.

Has anyone already done this and worked out a good set of macros?

I'd also be interested in whether experienced users think macro redefinition in this case is worth the bother.

Best Answer

I'm not a big fan of using macros in this way. It does cut down on a bit of typing, but tends to make the source code much more opaque. A better solution is to use an editor that allows you to assign bits of code to shortcuts. For example, I use TeXShop (Mac OSX) and have set the key combination Ctrl+Opt+Cmd+1 to insert the code

\begin{enumerate}
   \item
\end{enumerate}

and place the cursor right after \item. This cuts down on typing (I just have to mash down the bottom left of my keyboard and type a number) while still producing a readable source.

I'm sure that there are ways of reproducing this functionality with other editors and on other operating systems as well; this answer to a very similar question suggests the AutoHotkey utility for Windows.

Related Question