

Step by Step Macro Guide for World of Warcraft

Macros in World of Warcraft help automate actions, reduce clicks, and improve your reaction time. Whether you're a new player or looking to fine-tune your gameplay, learning how to use macros can make a big difference. This guide breaks things down into simple, practical tips.
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Getting Started with Macros

To begin writing macros, you need to access the macro interface in-game.
Open the macro menu by typing
/macro
or by pressing Escape and selecting "Macros".Click "New" to create a macro, choose an icon, and give it a name.
Use
#showtooltip
At the top of your macro, display the tooltip and icon of the ability or item automatically.Tip: Use the question mark icon for dynamic updates; the icon will change based on the spell or item used in the macro.
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Basic Commands: /cast and /use
Two of the most commonly used macro commands are /cast
and /use
.
/cast [spell name]
– Casts a spell from your spellbook (e.g.,/cast Raptor Strike
)./use [item name]
– Uses an item or trinket (e.g.,/use Heavy Runecloth Bandage
).These commands form the foundation for automating abilities and item usage.
Controlling Buffs, Attacks, and Pets
Macros can also help you manage your character’s state and pet behavior.
/cancelaura [buff]
– Removes a specific buff (e.g., mounts or auras)./startattack
– Starts auto-attacking your target, useful for melee and ranged classes./petattack
//petpassive
– Controls your pet without clicking the pet bar.
Combining these with other commands lets you create complex macros that handle multiple tasks at once.
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Interrupting with /stopcasting
This command is useful when you need to cancel a spell mid-cast to respond quickly.
/stopcasting
cancels any spell you’re currently casting.It’s ideal for switching to a quicker spell in emergencies (e.g., from a long-cast spell to a crowd control ability).
For example:
bash
CopyEdit
/stopcasting /cast Concussive Shot
Adding Logic with Conditionals
Conditionals allow your macros to change behavior based on your situation.
Use brackets
[]
to define conditions like:combat
– Only trigger if you’re in combat.help
– Only target friendly players.mod:shift
,mod:alt
, etc. – Based on key modifiers.
Example:
bash
CopyEdit
/use [combat] Bandage; Deep Fried Plantains
Uses a bandage in combat and eats food out of combat.
Using Modifier Keys in Macros

You can assign different actions to a single button depending on the modifier key you're holding.
Example:
bash
CopyEdit
#showtooltip /cast [mod:shift] Aspect of the Hawk; [mod:alt] Aspect of the Cheetah; Aspect of the Monkey
Hold Shift for Hawk
Hold Alt for Cheetah
Press with no modifier for Monkey
This saves action bar space and keeps your setup clean.
Practical Example: Freezing Trap Macro
Here’s a macro that uses combat conditionals to cast Feign Death or drop a trap:
bash
CopyEdit
#showtooltip Freezing Trap /stopattack [combat] /petfollow [combat] /cast [combat] Feign Death; Freezing Trap
Stops your attack and calls your pet back if in combat.
Feign Death is cast in combat, otherwise, it casts Freezing Trap.
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Mouseover Healing Macro Example
This macro targets whoever your mouse is hovering over for healing.
bash
CopyEdit
/cast [@mouseover,help,nodead] Flash Heal; [help,nodead] Flash Heal; Flash Heal
Heals your mouseover target if it's a living ally.
Else heals your selected friendly target.
If neither, heal yourself.
Using /castsequence for Rotations
This command lets you press one button to go through a spell sequence.
Example:
bash
CopyEdit
/castsequence Aim Shot, Multi-Shot, Serpent Sting
First press: Aim Shot
Second press: Multi-Shot
Third press: Serpent Sting
Then it loops back to the beginning.
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Resetting Cast Sequences
Add reset conditions to make sequences more flexible.
Example:
bash
CopyEdit
/castsequence reset=9/shift/target Hunter's Mark, Aim Shot
It resets after 9 seconds if the shift is pressed or if you switch targets.
Useful for classes with burst combos or specific opening sequences.
Final Thoughts
Macros boost gameplay by automating actions and simplifying controls. Start simple, use #showtooltip for clarity, add conditionals for smarter use, and experiment with sequences to optimize. With practice, they help you focus more on strategy and movement.
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