How to Create and Use a Macro in Dwarf Fortress

Macros is a tool to transform very repetitive and frustrating actions into an action that just requires you to press a button. Every kind of content creation and editing such as video editing or streaming are great examples of activities that are streamlined heavily thanks to the use of Macros. Now, imagine you could manage your dwarf population and activities with just pressing a couple of buttons. Indeed, that sounds awesome. For that reason, today we will talk about how to create and use a Macro in Dwarf Fortress.

How to Create and Use a Macro

In order to create a Macro in Dwarf Fortress, you will have to press Ctrl + r in your keyboard. This allows you to begin recording your actions in order to start building and creating your Macro. Create your Macro by inputting your actions and everything you can imagine. Once you have finished recording your Macro, press Ctrl + s in order to save it. It will be saved into your Macro list. If you wish to load it, just press Ctrl + l, it will immediately load the Macro you just saved in your list. You will be able to play your Macro by pressing Ctrl + p. Moreover, if you wish to play your Macro a number of times, then press Ctrl + u and typing a two-digit number representing the amount of times you wish to play the Macro. Then, you will press Ctrl + p in order to play that Macro for that set amount of times.

Related: How Dwarf Fortress Inspired Minecraft and Other Imitators

Being able to streamline your actions in a game that is in itself extremely complex to grasp at first is certainly an ability that is very useful. Specially if you are dealing with actions that are quite repetitive, such as rewalling or dumping. So be sure to use to best optimize your workload. Good luck!

Dwarf Fortress, with updated graphics and content, is available on Windows. Please check out Gamer Journalist on Facebook to join the discussion and keep up to date with our content. You might also like to check out or guides on How to get seeds in Dwarf Fortress or Dwarf Fortress – What to Do If Your Dwarf Becomes Possessed.