(1) A shortcut method for invoking a sequence of user interface functions. Macros let users turn widely used sequences of menu selections and keystrokes into one command or key combination. For example, pressing the F2 key might cause several menu options to be selected and several dialog box OK buttons to be clicked in a prescribed sequence. Macros can be created automatically by recording the keyboard and mouse actions (see macro recorder).

Macros are also used on home theater remote controls to switch sources. For example, when switching from cable TV to a DVD player, the macro causes the A/V receiver to switch audio source and the TV to switch video source (see IR remote control and RF remote control).

(2) A special-purpose command language within an application. See macro language.

(3) In assembly language, a prewritten subroutine that is called for throughout the program. At assembly time, the macro calls are substituted with the actual subroutine or instructions that branch to it. The high-level language equivalent is a function.

(4) Methods for determining wiring patterns on a chip (see hard macro and soft macro).