15.15 Creating Custom Action Macros
You can assign an entire sequence of actions to a single keyboard shortcut if you wish.
Kind: concept (user-guide-section) Chapter: 15 Customization: Actions, Mouse Modifiers, Menus and More Source: REAPER User Guide v7.70
You can assign an entire sequence of actions to a single keyboard shortcut if you wish. In fact, there is no preset limit to the number of actions that you can assign to a single keystroke or keystroke combination. The process of assigning more than one action to a keystroke is known as creating a custom action, or macro. As you browse the actions list, you might at first be somewhat puzzled at some of the items that are there. You might wonder, for example, why would anybody need an action for Item: Select item under mouse cursor when it is surely easier just to click on the item. Often with actions like this, the answer is that the real power of these actions comes not from using them on their own, but in combination with other actions.
Managing Custom Actions (Macros) – Summary Table
In order to do this ... You do this ...
Create a new macro
Either click on the New action... button or right-click in the action list window, then choose New custom action... Type a name for your macro.
Add actions to a macro
Drag and drop from action list, or double-click.
Change order of actions
Drag and drop up or down the list.
Remove action from macro
Select action in right hand action list, click on Remove action.
Add macro to main Actions menu
Enable the option Show in actions menu.
Consolidate macro into a single undo point
Enable the option Consolidate undo points.
Show macro as active when running (if added to a toolbar)
Enable the appropriate Show as active option in Create Custom Action dialog.
Save macro
Click on OK.
Assign shortcut key to a macro
Select the macro in the Action List. Click on Add.
Edit an existing macro
Select the macro in the Action List. Click on Edit action.
Run an existing macro
Use shortcut key (if assigned), or select macro in Action List and click on Run option.
Delete an existing macro
Select the macro in the Action List. Click on Delete.
Here’s a simple example. Normally, to split an item you need to select it, position the edit cursor at the required position, and then press S. Using a custom action, we can combine this sequence into a single keystroke.