5. Macros

Record and replay automated key sequences with a single tap.

What is a Macro?

A macro is a recorded sequence of keystrokes that you can replay. For example: - Type your email signature with one tap - Send Ctrl+Shift+Esc followed by Alt+D in sequence - Automate a multi-step command sequence with delays between steps

Macro Token Syntax

Token	Meaning
`<CTRL>` ... `</CTRL>`	Hold/release Control
`<SHIFT>` ... `</SHIFT>`	Hold/release Shift
`<ALT>` ... `</ALT>`	Hold/release Alt/Option
`<CMD>` ... `</CMD>`	Hold/release Command/Win/Super
`<ESC>`, `<BACK>`, `<ENTER>`, `<SPACE>`	Special keys
`<LEFT>`, `<RIGHT>`, `<UP>`, `<DOWN>`	Arrow keys
`<HOME>`, `<END>`, `<TAB>`, `<DEL>`	Navigation keys
`<F1>` through `<F12>`	Function keys
`<DELAY1S>`, `<DELAY2S>`, `<DELAY5S>`, `<DELAY10S>`	Pauses (iOS also supports `<DELAY500MS>`)

Example:

Text Only

<CTRL><ALT>t</ALT></CTRL><DELAY1S>ls -la<ENTER>

This opens a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T), waits 1 second, then types ls -la and presses Enter.

Creating a Macro

Go to Macros mode
Tap "+" to create a new macro
Enter a macro name/label
Build the macro command sequence using the text field and quick-insert token chips
Adjust the Send Char Interval (delay between keystrokes in milliseconds)
Tap "Save"

Scheduling & Repeating (iOS)

Macros can be scheduled to run at a specific date/time with repeat count and interval. The app must be running for scheduled macros to fire.

Sub-Macro References (iOS)

Invoke other macros by name using <Macro>label</Macro>. Macros can nest up to 10 levels deep.

Next Steps

← Shortcut Hub — Profile-based keyboard shortcuts
Voice Input → — Voice-to-keyboard transcription