In-depth Macro Guide

What are Macros?

Macros in World of Warcraft are custom commands that allow you to combine multiple actions into a single button press. They can dramatically improve your gameplay by reducing the number of keybinds needed and automating complex sequences.

Basic Macro Syntax

#showtooltip
/cast Spell Name
/use Item Name

The #showtooltip command displays the tooltip of the ability being cast. This helps you track cooldowns and shows the spell icon dynamically.

Common Macro Commands

  • /cast - Casts a spell or ability
  • /use - Uses an item or activates an ability
  • /target - Targets a specific unit
  • /focus - Sets your focus target
  • /stopcasting - Cancels current spell cast
  • /cancelaura - Removes a buff from yourself

Conditional Modifiers

Conditional modifiers allow you to perform different actions based on conditions:

#showtooltip
/cast [mod:shift] Spell One; [mod:ctrl] Spell Two; Spell Three
  • [mod:shift] - When holding Shift
  • [mod:ctrl] - When holding Ctrl
  • [mod:alt] - When holding Alt
  • [harm] - Target is hostile
  • [help] - Target is friendly
  • [combat] - You are in combat

Example Macros

Mouseover Healing Macro

#showtooltip
/cast [@mouseover,help,nodead][@target,help,nodead][@player] Heal

Casts heal on mouseover target, then your target, then yourself.

Modifier Macro

#showtooltip
/cast [mod:shift] Offensive Spell; [mod:ctrl] Defensive Spell; Regular Spell

One button for three different spells based on modifier keys.

Focus Interrupt Macro

#showtooltip
/cast [@focus,harm,nodead][] Kick

Interrupts your focus target, or current target if no focus is set.

Tips for Macro Creation

  • Keep macros simple and focused on specific tasks
  • Use #showtooltip to display relevant ability information
  • Test macros thoroughly before using them in raids or PvP
  • Remember the 255 character limit for macros
  • Use semicolons (;) to separate conditional statements
  • Combine frequently used ability sequences to save keybinds