Macros
Bind a sequence of G-code commands to a hotkey or toolbar button. The fastest way to automate inside the app.
A macro is a saved G-code sequence with an optional hotkey. Use macros for any operation you do often: homing + setting work-zero, jogging to a fixed reference position, dispensing air assist, custom warm-up sequences.
What you need
- A clear idea of the commands you want to run.
- ~5 minutes per macro.
Steps
1. Open the Macros panel
The Macros panel is in the upper-right by default. Open from the Window menu if hidden.
2. Create a new macro
Click + Add Macro. The new macro enters edit mode.
3. Fill in the fields
- Name: descriptive (e.g. "Home and set zero", "Jog to material corner").
- Description (optional), short hint.
- G-code: one command per line. Examples:
For "home and set zero":
$H
G92 X0 Y0For "jog to a specific position":
G0 X150 Y100 F3000- Hotkey (optional), e.g.
Ctrl+1. Conflicts with built-in hotkeys or other macros are flagged. - Toolbar: toggle on to add a button on the toolbar.
4. Save
Click Save. The macro is ready to run.
5. Test it
- Make sure the machine is connected.
- Click R (Run) on the macro row.
- The commands send to the machine in order.
Or press the assigned hotkey from anywhere in the app.
Useful macros to start with
| Name | G-code | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home and zero | $H then G92 X0 Y0 | Quick start of a session. |
| Center head | G0 X<half-bed> Y<half-bed> | Quickly move out of the way. |
| Pulse low | M3 S100 G1 X0.1 F1000 M5 | Verify the laser fires. |
| Pulse high | M3 S1000 G1 X0.1 F100 M5 | Test full-power burn on scrap. |
| Park | G0 X0 Y<max-y> | Move head to back for material loading. |
Sharing macros
- Export writes all your macros to a JSON file.
- Import reads them back.
Share macro files with another maker who has a similar setup, or back up your macros before a clean install.
Hotkey conflicts
If you assign a hotkey that conflicts with a built-in command or another macro, the validation fails on Save and shows the conflict in red. Pick a different combination.
Reserved combinations (cannot be macro hotkeys) include the standard edit/file/selection shortcuts (Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+S, Esc, etc.) and the single-letter tool shortcuts (V, M, N, P, L, R, T, E, H, B).
Verify it worked
- The macro appears in the panel.
- Clicking R sends the commands to the machine.
- The hotkey (if set) triggers the macro from anywhere.
Related
- Macros panel
- Console panel: test commands before bundling into a macro
- Hotkey Editor dialog
- GRBL essentials