# macros (client script)

Source: https://ref.dm-lang.org/client/var/script/macro

Macros are just like aliases, except that they are triggered by a single key (or combination of keys) instead of a full command. When a macro is executed, it returns a text string which is then executed as a command. So a macro is just a short-cut for entering a command.

The following example illustrates the syntax for entering a typical set of macros.

## Example;

```dm
macro
   ALT+I return "inventory"
   ALT+SHIFT+I return "inventory\nequipment" //multiple commands
   ALT+s return "say \..."             //command to be edited
```

> [!note]
> 
> In old versions of BYOND, character keys required the Alt key to be pressed to trigger the macro, and did not include `"ALT+"` to do so. This behavior has changed, and the name of the macro is just like the format used in skin files. You can now use a key name, and modifiers like `SHIFT+`, `CTRL+`, `ALT+`, `+REP`, and `+UP`. Old .dms and [client.script](https://ref.dm-lang.org/client/var/script/index.md) files (prior to version 507) should be updated accordingly when recompiling in a newer version.

### See also
- [macros (skin)](https://ref.dm-lang.org/skin/macros.md)
- [aliases (client script)](https://ref.dm-lang.org/client/var/script/alias.md)
- [command_text (client)](https://ref.dm-lang.org/client/var/command_text.md)
- [script var (client)](https://ref.dm-lang.org/client/var/script/index.md)
- [verbs](https://ref.dm-lang.org/verb/index.md)