UI Mod/Macro FAQ + Useful Links [Updated: 11/10/05]

<p>This is a thread listing any and all possible questions anyone could have about UI Mods and Macros. Actually, it isn't, but feel free to ask a question and it will be answered and edited in ASAP. On a similar note, if you have a question + answer ready made, or a helpful link you want added, post it as well.</p>

<b><i>Macros</i></b><br>
<p><b>Q</b>: What is a macro? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: A macro is a single command that is set to execute a set of commands. For instance, let's say you want to say "DIE!" every time you cast Fireball. You're make a macro to replace 'Fireball' on your hotbar, that would cause both actions to run.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: What are macros capable of? (5/20/05) (Updated 11/10/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Pretty much anything you can normally do in-game, with a few things to keep in mind:
<ul><li>A macro <i>cannot</i> cast more than one spell/ability. This is due to the universal cooldown on abilities. You can, however, cast ability 'x' if condition 'c' is true, and ability 'y' if it isn't.<br>
<i>UPDATE:</i> Certain spells and abilities do not trigger the global cooldown and can be chained. More information is in a question further down.</li>
<li>There is a 255 character limit to macros.</li>
<li>They cannot be event-triggered; you have to click (or hotkey) the button itself.</li>
<li>They cannot move or modify your character in any way.</li></ul></p>

<p><b>Q</b>: Why use macros? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Macros are good for repetitive tasks that you find yourself doing often. Some examples of common uses are making macros that cause you do say something when you are using CC, to alert the group. I, for instance, have a macro that alerts my party when I cast 'Ritual of Summoning', and how to participate in the ritual.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: Sounds great! How do I make one? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Once in game, type "/macro" (without the "s). This will call up the macro interface. Once there, hit New, assign a name and icon, and hit Ok. Then you fill in the meat of it, the commands to execute. You put one command on each line. Once done, hit Complete, and then put it on your hotbar. Activating it will run your commands, in order.</p>

<p>A sample macro:<br>
This macro will tell your party something, and then activate an emote.<br>
---------<br>
<tt>
/p Let the dance party begin!<br>
/dance<br></tt>
---------<br>
Pretty simple, eh? <img src="http://static.blizzpub.net/war3pub/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif"/><br>
How about a more complex one:<br>
This macro will cast fireball, and then yell a message out.<br>
---------<br>
<tt>/cast Fireball(Rank 3)<br>
/yell DIE, FIEND!</p></tt>

<p>Fun things to remember: having the '%t' wildcard in any text will cause it to be replaced by the name of who you have targeted. For example:<br>
<tt>/say %t, you are incredibly sexy.<br></tt>
Activating this macro while having "Crasticus" targeted would cause you to say the following:<br>
"Crasticus, you are incredibly sexy."<br>
If you have nothing targeted, "No Target" will be displayed.<br>
----<br>
The /cast command can be used to cast any spell you know. This command can be pasted for you by shift clicking the spell in your spell book while the macro text box is open.<br>
Format: <tt>/cast <i>Spell Name</i>(Rank <i>#</i>)</tt><br>
----<br>
The /script command causes all the following text to be read as Lua script, as though from a UI mod.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: What are some more common macros?<br>
<b>A</b>: It'd be a good idea to look at <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Most_Used_Macros" target="/">these</a>.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: How do I equip items through a macro?<br>
<b>A</b>: It's outlined <a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Item_equipping" target="/">here</a>.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: I've heard it's impossible to cast two spells in one macro. Is this true? (11/10/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: In general, yes. A macro tries to execute all of its commands simultaneously, so the first successful spell cast will trigger the global cooldown, and knock the other spells off of the queue. However, if the first spell is instant cast and does <i>not</i> trigger the cooldown, it's possible to chain cast. More information can be found <a href="http://www.blizzpub.net/forums/thread.php?pid=647833">here</a>.

<hr width="70%">
<br>
<b><i>UI Addons/Mods</i></b><br>
<p><b>Q</b>: What is a UI Mod? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: A UI (User Interface) Mod is a set of at least three files placed in a folder in your "Interface" directory. These include a .TOC (Table of Contents), .LUA (Lua script file), and .XML (XML script file). These, if done correctly, modify the WoW UI in some way, shape, or form. Pretty self-explanatory.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: What are UI Mods capable of? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Very, very much. Basically anything on your screen than can be removed by hitting alt + z is your UI. That can be removed, replaced, or expanded via Add-ons and Mods. Keep in mind that UI Mods cannot cause you to move or alter your character in any way. They <i>can</i> cause you to cast spells if a certain event is triggered.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: Why use UI Mods? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: For the same reason as macros; UI Mods are used to make your WoW life more enjoyable or convenient. They are not forced upon you, and there are many to choose from.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: Sounds great! How do I make one? (5/20/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Please see Draekon's guide on the subject. <a href="http://www.blizzpub.net/forums/thread.php?tid=42211" target="/">Link</a>

<p><b>Q</b>: Ok, how do I use it after it's made? (5/27/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Simple. Navigate to your WoW folder, wherever it is, then find your 'Interface' folder inside there. If there isn't one, make it. Once in there, find the 'Addons' folder. If there isn't one, make it. Then put the folder for the UI mod in there.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: Do I have to reboot/relog WoW every time I tweak a UI mod or get a new one? (5/27/05) (Updated 11/10/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: Nope. Once in WoW, just type "/console reloadui" (without quotes). This will load all of your UI mods from scratch, and doesn't require any work on your part.<br>
<i>UPDATE:</i> In a recent patch, it was modified in such a way that in order to activate or deactivate a mod completely, a WoW restart is required. Simply reloading the UI will not suffice. However, to my knowledge, tweaks in an already activated mod will still occur.</p>

<p><b>Q</b>: What is the current Interface Version number? (11/6/05)<br>
<b>A</b>: That'd be 1800.</p>

<hr width="90%">
<b><i>Links</b></i><br>
<p><a href="http://www.crimsoneditor.com/" target="/">Crimson Editor</a> - A nice syntax highlighting text editor for Windows (5/21/05)<br>
<a href="http://www.codingmonkeys.de/subethaedit/" target="/">SubEthaEdit</a> - A very nice syntax highlighting collaborative text editor for Macs (5/21/05)<br>
<a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Interface_Customization" target="/">WoWWiki/UI</a> - Has an API and some tutorials (5/26/05)<br>
<a href="http://worldofwarcraft.gameamp.com/wow/viewMods/0.php!type_id=1" target="/">Events, Constants, and Functions List</a> - A very nice list of all of the functions, constants, and events for UI modding (5/27/05)</p>
Thanks for reading, and remember that this is open to expansion!