Macros for World of Warcraft

Guide to Creating Macros in World of Warcraft

This guide contains all existing commands for creating PvE and PvP macros in World of Warcraft (applicable to all versions of the game), including both simple and complex combinations for performing various in-game tasks. Carefully study the article, and you will be able to write a macro perfectly suited for any action of your character.

Universal Macros

In World of Warcraft, macros are a powerful tool for automating actions, simplifying interactions with the interface, and optimizing gameplay. The commands used in macros are divided into universal and class-specific categories. Below is a list of universal commands that can be used by characters of any class, with explanations of their purpose:

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1. Commands for Working with Abilities and Actions

• /cast
  Used to cast spells or abilities.
  Example: /cast [@mouseover,exists] Polymorph — casts the spell on the target under the cursor.

• /use
  Used to apply an item.
  Example: /use [@player] Healing Potion — drinks the potion on yourself.

• /stopcasting
  Interrupts the current cast.
  Example: /stopcasting — cancels the cast to quickly use another action.

• /stopattack
  Stops the auto attack.
  Example: /stopattack — stops the melee attack.

• /startattack
  Starts an attack on the selected target.
  Example: /startattack — the character starts dealing damage with auto attacks.

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2. Commands for Working with Targets

• /target
  Sets the selected target.
  Example: /target Enemy — targets the enemy named "Enemy".

• /targetenemy
  Targets the nearest enemy.
  Example: /targetenemy — useful for PvP and PvE.

• /targetfriend
  Targets the nearest friendly unit.
  Example: /targetfriend — useful for healing.

• /focus
  Sets a focus on the specified target.
  Example: /focus — fixes the current target as the focus.

• /assist
  Assists the selected target by attacking their target.
  Example: /assist [character_name] — switches to the enemy being attacked by your partner.

• /clearfocus
  Clears the focus.
  Example: /clearfocus — removes the previously set focus.

• /cleartarget
  Clears the current target.
  Example: /cleartarget — used to quickly unselect a target.

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3. Interaction Commands

• /follow
  Follows the selected target.
  Example: /follow [name] — convenient for group movement.

• /petattack
  Sends your pet to attack the target.
  Example: /petattack — relevant for hunters, warlocks, and death knights.

• /petpassive
  Sets the pet to passive mode.
  Example: /petpassive — the pet stops attacking automatically.

• /petdefensive
  Sets the pet to defensive mode.
  Example: /petdefensive — the pet attacks enemies who attack its owner.

• /petstay
  Commands the pet to stay in place.
  Example: /petstay — the pet stops following you.

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4. Interface Management Commands

• /click
  Simulates pressing an interface button.
  Example: /click ActionButton1 — activates the first button on the action bar.

• /reload
  Reloads the interface.
  Example: /reload — fixes visual bugs.

• /equip
  Wears the specified item.
  Example: /equip [item] — equips the item into an available slot.

• /equipset
  Switches the equipment set.
  Example: /equipset [set_name] — quickly switches gear.

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5. Messaging Commands

• /say
  Sends a message to the general chat.
  Example: /say Hello everyone!

• /yell
  Yells (increased radius).
  Example: /yell Danger!

• /whisper or /w
  Whispers to the specified player.
  Example: /w [name] Hi!

• /party or /p
  Sends a message to the party.
  Example: /p Let's go!

• /raid or /rw
  Sends a message to the raid (or raid leader message).
  Example: /rw Let's start the fight!

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6. Other Useful Commands

• /macro
  Opens the macro editor.
  Example: /macro — quickly creates a macro.

• /script
  Executes Lua scripts.
  Example: /script print("Hello, world!") — outputs a message in the chat.

• /dismount
  Dismounts the character.
  Example: /dismount — removes the mount.

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These commands can be combined with conditions (e.g. [mod:shift], [target=focus]) to create complex macros.

Complex Macros

Here are some examples of macros for different situations that you can use with universal commands in World of Warcraft. All examples contain conditions to make the macros more flexible and useful.

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1. Switching Between Targets

Description: If the Shift key is pressed, it focuses on the selected target; otherwise, it attacks the nearest enemy.

/focus [mod:shift]
/targetenemy [noexists]
/cast [exists] Attack

How it works:

• Pressing Shift sets the current target as the focus.
• If there is no target, it selects the nearest enemy and starts attacking it.

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2. Casting Ability on Focus or Current Target

Description: Uses the ability on the focus if it is set, or on the current target if there is no focus.

/cast [target=focus,exists][target=target] Frostbolt

How it works:

• If focus is set, the ability is applied to it.
• If there is no focus, it uses the current target.

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3. Interrupting Spell Casting and Using Ability

Description: Interrupts the current spell casting and immediately uses the ability.

/stopcasting
/cast Instant Shot

How it works:

• Useful for urgent abilities that need to be used immediately.

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4. Healing Ally Under Cursor (mouseover)

Description: Applies a healing ability to the ally under the cursor, or to the current target if the cursor is not used.

/cast [@mouseover,help,nodead][@target,help,nodead][@player] Rejuvenation

How it works:

• If the cursor is over an ally, the ability is applied to them.
• If the cursor is not used, it applies to the current target.
• If there is no valid target, it applies to the player.

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5. Auto-Switching Gear for PvE and PvP

Description: Changes gear depending on the selected game mode.

/equipset [mod:ctrl] PvP
/equipset [nomod] PvE

How it works:

• If Ctrl is held down, the PvP gear set is equipped.
• In other cases, PvE gear is used.

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6. Sending Pet into Attack and Using Ability

Description: The pet attacks the selected target, while the player uses a spell.

/petattack
/cast Cobra Shot

How it works:

• The pet first attacks the enemy.
• The player then uses their ability.

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7. Dismounting and Using Ability Quickly

Description: Dismounts the character and immediately uses an ability.

/dismount
/cast Charge

How it works:

• Useful for abilities that require being on the ground.

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8. Group Notification for Important Action

Description: Notifies the group about the use of an ability before activating it.

/p Cleanse on %t!
/cast Cleanse

How it works:

• Notifies the group or raid chat that Cleanse is being applied to the current target.
• Then it activates the ability.

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9. Macro to Cancel Random Auras or Effects

Description: Removes unwanted effects or transformations (e.g., Polymorph).

/cancelaura Polymorph
/cancelaura Divine Shield

How it works:

• Removes the specified auras. Useful for PvP or tactical situations.

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10. Quick Exit from Combat (Using Item)

Description: Uses the Hearthstone only when Shift is pressed.

/use [mod:shift] Hearthstone

How it works:

• Avoids accidental use of the Hearthstone.

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11. Universal Macro to Follow an Ally

Description: Follows the player if they are selected.

/follow [@target,help]

How it works:

• If the target is friendly, the character automatically follows them.

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How to Improve Macros?

Add personalization to fit your playstyle:

• Include raid chat notifications.
• Use key modifiers to switch between modes.
• Combine functions to optimize time.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment on this guide. You will definitely get a response!