A macro is a series of functions or keystrokes that are programmed to be executed with the press of a single button or button combination. The way macros function on a light board is similar to the way they function in other computer programs such as spreadsheet software--the user must record the individual keystrokes or steps in the appropriate format and assign that function to an available macro button. On computers, the macro button may be a key combination, such as "Ctrl," "Alt" and "M" being pressed at the same time. In stage lighting, the console will either have physical or on-screen buttons reserved for macros, often labeled M1 through M8.
Macros conserve time during commonly performed tasks, but because every theater has slightly different needs, the common tasks vary from theater to theater. Programmable macros allow individual designers, technical directors and production electricians to create shortcuts to their commonly performed tasks without depending on the manufacturers to anticipate their needs.
One of the common uses for a macro in stage lighting is a programmed command for a channel check. A channel check brings each light on to a low glow (generally 15 to 20 percent of full power) so the electrical crew can walk on stage and look up at the lights to see if any lamps are burnt out. While this command can be performed manually with a series of keystrokes to bring these channels up, it generally takes 9 to 10 keystrokes, whereas a macro uses just one. Other common functions include one-button saving to disk or turning off all lights except work lights.
Always test your macros after programming them into the lighting console. The console records exactly what you put into it, so if you miss a step while programming the macro, you may end up with a macro that does nothing or does something you don't want it to do. Save your show to disk before testing (even if saving to disk is the intended function of the macro) so you don't lose any of your programming.
Programming macros is not a simple task for those unaccustomed to operating lighting consoles. Even experienced users of one brand of console may find themselves having difficulty following the process on a different console because of differences in software. Most lighting-console makers provide user manuals online for free downloading or viewing. These generally contain step-by-step instructions on programming macros and may even contain samples that include the macros you want to use. The theater or production company that owns the light board may also have a hard copy of the user manual on hand.