Macros are the shortcut engine of GrandMA3. If you find yourself repeating the same commands or setups, macros let you automate those tasks with a single button press. From setting fixture levels to building full cue routines, they’re a must-have tool for fast, consistent programming—especially in time-sensitive environments like weekend services.

Understanding the Command Line

Every macro is built on the same syntax you’d type manually: Verb → Noun → Action Examples:

• Fixture 101 Thru 112 At 100

• Store Cue 1

• Assign Preset 3.1 At Layout 1

Use the Command Line History to review past actions and copy useful syntax into your macros.

Creating and Editing Macros

1. Open a Macro Pool, press Edit, and tap an empty slot.

2. Use Insert New Macro Line to add steps.

3. Add optional Wait times between lines to ensure smooth execution.

4. Name your macro for easy recall.

Want to automate fixture prep before a service? Example macro:

• Select fixtures

• Set dimmer to 100

• Park fixtures

• Clear programmer

Need to reverse it?

• Unpark fixtures

• Set to 0

• Clear

Use Copy Macro to clone existing macros and tweak as needed.

Practical Use Cases

• Park On/Off Macros for house power or safety lights

• Clear/Update/Label Macros for programming efficiency

• Lock Macros to protect pool items from accidental changes

• Multi-step setup routines for volunteers to run at show start

Macro Options and Behaviors

Inside the macro editor:

• Add to Command Line: Queue up syntax without executing

• Execute: Run the line immediately

• Enable/Disable Lines: Temporarily skip a step without deleting

• Add notes or labels for clarity—great for shared workstations or volunteers

Macros reduce errors, speed up common actions, and let you tailor the console to your specific flow. Once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.