Editing WoW:Making a macro (section)

===modifier:shift/ctrl/alt===
Modifier keys are a convenient way to save action bar space and make certain decisions. Say you want an implied targeting macro but use one spell normally and another spell when you're holding down a modifier key:

 /cast [modifier, help] [modifier, @targettarget, help] Flash Heal; [help] [@targettarget] Greater Heal

This macro will cast a helpful spell on either your target if it's friendly, or your target's target otherwise. When you hold any modifier key, it will cast Flash Heal. Otherwise it will cast Greater Heal.

For a less complicated example, the following macros all function identically. They will all cast spell A on your target, or spell B if the control key is held:

 /cast [mod:ctrl] Spell B; Spell A

 /cast [@target] Spell A; [mod:ctrl, @target] Spell B

 /cast [nomod] Spell A; [mod:ctrl] Spell B

Of course, you can specify particular modifier keys for more control a la [modifier:shift/ctrl] which means "shift or control." If you want to specify both, you need two modifier conditionals: [modifier:shift, modifier:ctrl].
If you want to create a macro with one modifier for spell x and two modifiers, where one is the same as for x, for spell y you have to write the two modifiers first: <code>/cast [modifier:alt, modifier:ctrl, target=focus] Chimera Shot; [modifier:ctrl] Arcane Shot; Steady Shot</code>

Beware if you're using keybindings for your macros. If you bind A to a macro with, say, [modifier:shift] and you have something else bound to SHIFT-A, the SHIFT-A binding will take precedence and your macro will not run.

The shorter version of this conditional — mod — may be used to save characters in your macro.  

====Modifier variables====
While modifier keys can only be one of shift, ctrl, or alt, there are a number of system variables that you can use in your modifier conditions as well. For instance, the SELFCAST variable means "whatever your self-cast modifier is set to." The default is alt (holding the alt key while casting a spell will attempt to cast it on yourself) though some AddOns give you the option to change this. If you create a macro like:

 /cast [modifier:SELFCAST, @player] [@mouseover] [ ] Greater Heal

It will work as expected no matter what you have set as your self-cast key. Some other variables and their defaults (though with arguably much less utility) are as follows:

* AUTOLOOTTOGGLE (shift)
* STICKYCAMERA (ctrl)
* SPLITSTACK (shift)
* PICKUPACTION (shift)
* COMPAREITEMS (shift)
* OPENALLBAGS (shift)
* QUESTWATCHTOGGLE (shift)