Editing WoW:Making a macro (section)

== Multiple actions with one click ==
In general, you cannot cast more than one spell with a single click of a macro. Most spells and some items trigger the global [[cooldown]] (GCD) which keeps you from taking too many actions at once. Even if a spell fails to cast, if it '''would''' trigger the GCD, it prevents subsequent /casts in the macro from running. This was not the case prior to patch 2.0 which is why you may still come across macros like the following:

 /cast Overpower
 /cast Execute
 /cast Mortal Strike
 /cast Sunder Armor

'''Macros like this do not work anymore'''. As soon as Overpower fails to cast, the game will block all the other spells from casting as well, even though the GCD is not actually triggered.

There is a bit of good news, though. Certain spells ''can'' actually be cast at the same time in a single macro. Any spell that is '''instant and does ''not'' trigger the GCD''' can be followed by another cast ("Next Melee" abilities like Heroic Strike fall under this category too). The spell's tooltip will tell you if it's instant, but you have to use the spell (or check a spell database site like thottbot.com) to know if it triggers the GCD.

Prior to patch 2.3 it was necessary to place a /stopcasting command after the instant, non-GCD spells (but not items). The game engine assumed that after the first /cast is attempted, a spell is now in progress. /stopcasting removes this assumption and prevents the "Another action is in progress" error. Since the spell is instant, /stopcasting does not actually cancel the cast. Example:

 /cast Furious Howl
 /stopcasting
 /cast Blood Fury
 /stopcasting
 /cast Call of the Wild

Note that since patch 2.3, this is no longer necessary.  The above macro can be shortened to:

 /cast Furious Howl
 /cast Blood Fury
 /cast Call of the Wild