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Read before posting! - What Macros & Addons can't do.
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Post by
Fizzles
There seems to be many threads with asking about what Macros can do what. This thread was made as a sort of remedy for said threads.
Just scroll down, and see which section best fits your situation.
Macros
1. Cast X and Y spell at the same time.
Macros can't do this, simply because of the Global Cooldown.
There are a few ways around this.
If a spell
isn't
on the GCD, it can be used in a macro along with other spells
not
on the GCD and at most one spell on the GCD
If a spell is classed as "Next Melee" (like Rune Strike, Heroic Strike, etc.), then it can be used
after
a GCD spell is used.
2. Cast X spell if you have enough Mana/Energy/Rage/RP, else cast Y spell.
This is not possible. It would be playing the game for you, and Macros can't do that.
3. Cast X spell if you have Y buff, else cast Z spell.
Not possible. Although UnitBuff() (which checks buffs on a unit) is usable by macros, CastSpell() (which casts spells) isn't, meaning you can't use this code to cast spells.
4. Cast X spell without pressing a button.
Macros cannot be used with no user input (pressing a key). (Thanks
HighFive
)
5. Target something by icon.
Can't. /target (the command used to target a unit) can't recognise icons mobs are maked with.(Thanks
Paolo
)
6. Cast X when Y is on cooldown.
Can't do it. Macros can't check for Cooldown on any spells.
7. Cast an AoE spell, without selecting a target area.
No. Although Macros can click on frames, it can't click on the WorldFrame (the ground, sky, everything you see in WoW that isn't part of the UI).
8. Click X object.
Nope. Macros can't click on objects.
9. Cast X, then wait for Y amount of time, then cast Z.
Good news, there is a /in command.
Bad news, it doesn't work with spells.
Addons.
1. Walk me from X location to Y location.
NO. You absolutely CANNOT do this. It's actually a bot, and is against Blizzard's Terms of Service. If caught, you face a swing of the banhammer. The name of a bot is even censored on Wowhead forums.
2. Make me look like a Tauren, instead of a Gnome.
Nope. Again, it's against Blizzard's ToS, but carries a lighter sentence. Ask yourself this:
Can I modelchange?
Yes, you can.
May
I modelchange?
No, you may not
How to make Macros!
Wildhorn
has made a very nice guide on how to make Macros, with subjects covered from beginners to experts.
You can read all about it
here
.
Post by
235708
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Toldu
It won't stop the "I want a macro that.." threads but it will definitely help those who actually look at it. Reported for sticky as well. Hope this grows!
Post by
pelf
If a spell
isn't
on the GCD (like Icy Veins, Sprint, etc.) it
can
be used in a Macro.
This is slightly misleading. You might want to say, "If a spell isn't on the GCD, it can be used in a macro along with other spells not on the GCD and at most
one
spell
on
the GCD." or something like that.
As an aside ... Sprint isn't on the GCD?
Post by
HighFive
3. Cast X spell if you have Y buff, else cast Z spell.
Not possible, yet. If someone can find a way to use
UnitBuff()
in a code, it will be possible.CastSpell(), CastSpellByName() etc. are protected, so no. The only way you'll cast spells in a macro is with the provided slash commands.
The only conditions you can define are the ones provided by the macro system.
The only thing I can think of that is close to automation and still works is the powershifting macros with CancelPlayerBuff() (which for whatever reason is not protected).
Also, I think it's worth mentioning macros cannot be used with no user input (pressing a key).
Post by
Fizzles
If a spell
isn't
on the GCD (like Icy Veins, Sprint, etc.) it
can
be used in a Macro.
This is slightly misleading. You might want to say, "If a spell isn't on the GCD, it can be used in a macro along with other spells not on the GCD and at most
one
spell
on
the GCD." or something like that.
As an aside ... Sprint isn't on the GCD?
Said so on WoWWiki. Might not have been updated recently. I'll change it.
Post by
Billa
Great guide, I think lots of people are uncertain about what a macro cant do for them, this should help clear confusion :)
Post by
pelf
Said so on WoWWiki. Might not have been updated recently. I'll change it.
I was just suggesting a rephrasing. I don't care what WoWWiki says :).
Post by
224056
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Paolo
Another "can't do": macros cannot select a target by symbol. E.g.,
/cast Mind Blast
No can do.
Post by
Fizzles
Another "can't do": macros cannot select a target by symbol. E.g.,
/cast Mind Blast
No can do.
Thanks. I'll add that. :)
Post by
dezmeron
you might want to add something along the lines like:
"I need a macro that cast "X" when "Y" is on CD"
I've seen alot of those. I usually post saying that it can't be done but suggest a cast sequence macro with the reset equal to the CD of "Y"
--sticky
Post by
329616
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Fizzles
Just playing devils advocate, because i myself fell into the trap of post about multi casting.
you might want to add something along the lines like:
"I need a macro that cast "X" when "Y" is on CD"
I've seen alot of those. I usually post saying that it can't be done but suggest a cast sequence macro with the reset equal to the CD of "Y"
By dezmeron
Like dexmeron says here just because u cant do something doesnt means there is not an alternative or creative solution to what u want. This is of course by staying within give guide lines (Blizzards rules, etc…) and may not be exactly what u want but may help u better than nothing.
Just thought something like this should be mentioned take it or leave it.
There are ways around it. I've found a way of beating the CGD in a Pick Pocket/Opener macro.
Post by
Sweetscot
Another one to add. Macros (nor addons as far as I am aware) cannot place a targeting ring for you. For example someone wants an addon that throws their saronite bomb without them clicking the ground where they want the bomb to go (or lightwell or aoe spell, whatever)
Macros can't place ground targeting rings(as far as I know if i'm wrong someone /slap me).
:)
Post by
258540
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Sweetscot
I think "objects" as defined ingame is what you mean, and yea thats a part of what I was refering to just ground targets is what I have been seeing alot of recently. You can do /click in a macro but it only refers to action buttons (for example to use pet abilities it would be a /click special action button 3 something or other) but I believe that with 3.0 it was changed so you could actually use /cast <pet ability> rather than using /click so there's really no reason to use /click anymore
Post by
Fizzles
Thanks, added objects and AoE.
Post by
RedwoodElf
Another one to add. Macros (nor addons as far as I am aware) cannot place a targeting ring for you. For example someone wants an addon that throws their saronite bomb without them clicking the ground where they want the bomb to go (or lightwell or aoe spell, whatever)
Macros can't place ground targeting rings(as far as I know if i'm wrong someone /slap me).
:)
Well it's not polite to hit a lady, but can't be used to place an AOE, if your mouse is over a valid target location?
I'll test this with my DK and Death and Decay and get back to you.
(edit) Dang, guess not...I was sure i'd used that at some point in the past...O well
Post by
pelf
Add, "Macros cannot interact with the targeting circle for targeted spells (Blizzard, DnD, etc.)." I forgot about that question -- it had been a while since someone asked.
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