peppermilldetective8154: Macro FAQ!

Q: Why do macros try to fill all lines with the same action?

A: Macros in FFXIV are executed one line per frame at a time. Due to this, getting macros to be executed with some consistency we fill the macro with as many lines that execute the same action as we can. That way instead of having only a 1 frame window in which a macro can execute, we have an up to 13 frame window.

Q: Why are macros considered unreliable? Why is it not recommended to macro GCD abilities like combos?

A: Unlike normal actions and abilities, macros cannot be queued. Normally, when you press a button while you are in animation lock (or a GCD while your GCD is rolling) FFXIV will queue the action so when the lock is finished, the action automatically executes. Since macros cannot be executed during any kind of lock, and since they cannot be queued, you'll find macros tend to be more unreliable than regular actions and abilities. This ties back to the prior answer, where since macros are executed one line per frame, and cannot be queued, we do what we can to make them as reliable as possible.

Q: If macros are executed one line per frame, does that mean if I have a higher FPS, my macros are less reliable?

A: Yes! FFXIV, in general, isn't graphically or performance-wise balanced for any FPS higher than 90. Even then, it may be best to limit it further to 60 fps. For instance, jiggle physics simply do not exist at high FPS values, but you'll find that limiting your FPS will re-introduce said jiggle physics.

There's a lot of time and effort spent by the community to understand macros as best as possible. If you want to learn more, I recommend searching for the FFXIV Macrology book on github. You can also ask around on reddit or in-game!

Happy macro-ing!

TobinatorTx: These macros are very useful if you use keyboard and mouse, not really useful for controller because limited hotbar space. I'm just really glad that dragon sight is gone, that was very clunky and you basically required macros for it.

youtousim: I use a "Raise all" macro that targets players <2> to <8>, in my preferred order. Just to not get stuck on trying to res someone that already recieved one, which can be a bit confusing in the heat of battle.

tyverus89: I used to have my Ninjutsu on macro... that was a bad idea

Narlaw1199: Never thought of a sprint macro, but that's genius. I should probably do the same with potions.

mizuhashitsunoka: PSA for controller users: if you are using the extra settings, you get 32 buttons from get go and then 8 8 with LT->RT and reverse. Only macros controllers lose out on is stuff like putting a vertical hotbar besides party list to drop something like a TBN or targetable stuff really. I have followed tons of qol guides and have no problems putting macros on my extra hotbar space.

I have stuff like macros for focus target, sprint and mount roulette, targetable TBN/shirk on second tank, revive alert (just messaging who got ascended), markers, aetherial manipulation for BLM. I put stuff like tank stance and dance partner in the LT->RT hotbar so that they are one and done and i dont fat finger them unintentionally.

At a point i used to have macros for all 8 position gcd heals but later learnt i should stop doing gcd heals in higher levels so that's deadge now. I even have macros for the fancy hotbar buttons people make for switching classes and extra settings. Slightly bit more tedious on controller but still doable if you wanna put your time into it.

bradleyoldford7754: I didnt even know you could cast TBN on allies.......

TheQman69: I couldn't figure out why your video was giving me flashbacks of fishing and then you stopped talking which let me hear the background music better. BGM from FFXI Selbina and turning in too many fish for the Ebisu Fishing Rod quest is forever stuck in my brain.

ZessaSnake: The macro's shown are really good! Gonna copy some of them for myself!

1Mrstephen: The problem with MO macros for me is, I lose track of where my damn mouse is way too often.

Aug 18 2024

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