Create and apply macros

4 min read
updated: Sep 26, 2024
HelpDesk
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A macro serves as a pre-set response or action that an agent can manually implement during the ticket creation or update process. It encompasses actions designed to modify ticket details.

Create macrosLink icon

If you want to create macros, go to the Automation section and select the Macros category. 

Then, click the “Create Macro” button.

Main dashboard with all macros

First, choose whether you want to create a private or shared macro.

  1. Private macros – created by an agent or admin for personal use.
  2. Shared macros – created by an admin for use by multiple users.

Macro creation view

Then, select the teams that can use the macro.

Note on private macros 

You can apply private macro only when working on tickets that have been assigned to the teams you’re a member of (Ticket details ➡️ Responsibility ➡️ Team).

Note on private macros 

You can apply private macro only when working on tickets that have been assigned to the teams you’re a member of (Ticket details ➡️ Responsibility ➡️ Team).

Note on shared macros 

All team members from selected teams can apply shared macro only when working on tickets that have been assigned to those designated teams (Ticket details ➡️ Responsibility ➡️ Team).

Note on shared macros 

All team members from selected teams can apply shared macro only when working on tickets that have been assigned to those designated teams (Ticket details ➡️ Responsibility ➡️ Team).

Choosing a team that will have access to the macro

After that, specify actions performed by macros. Macros are versatile in performing various on-demand tasks for you and your team, such as:

  • Set assignment
  • Send feedback request
  • Send follow-up
  • Send message
  • Send private note
  • Set status
  • Set priority
  • Add tag
  • Remove tag
  • Move to Spam
  • Move to all recent tickets
  • Add followers
  • Remove followers

Specifying the actions to be performed by the macro

If you choose actions that include sending a text message (message or canned response), you can add variables such as:

  • Ticket Requester Name
  • Ticket Short ID
  • Ticket Agent Name

Adding variables when creating a macro

Note that you can add as many actions as you want by clicking the “Add action” button.

Using the “Add action” button when creating a macro

In the last step, name and describe your macro.

Naming and describing a macro

Be sure to clearly name and describe your macro, as these details will appear in the list of macros when solving tickets.

Selecting a macro from a list when resolving a ticket

Apply macroLink icon

To use a macro while addressing a ticket, follow these steps:

  1. Open the ticket and locate the toolbar.
  2. Click on the “Macros” icon in the toolbar.
  3. Choose the macro that best fits your specific situation.
  4. Once you’ve selected a macro, a series of predefined actions will be executed within the ticket. These actions will modify the ticket details and include any essential messages set during the macro creation.

Applying a macro from a list when resolving a ticket

In summary, by accessing the Macros icon and selecting an appropriate macro, you can efficiently apply a set of actions to the ticket, streamlining the resolution process and updating ticket information accordingly.

Macros limitsLink icon

You can create 5 private macros and 20 shared macros per license in the Team plan.

If you need more than that when solving tickets, consider upgrading your subscription to the Enterprise solution.

Automated workflows vs macrosLink icon

Automated workflows and macros both aim to automate tasks but differ in their scope, complexity, and applications.

Automated workflows are designed for managing intricate business processes with multiple steps, often operating in the background of daily tasks. Users can set conditions using logical operators to trigger swift responses. By selecting actions from a drop-down list, these workflows automate repetitive or manual tasks when specified conditions are met, thus saving time. They are flexible and capable of integrating various tasks within an organization.

On the contrary, macros are more focused and simpler, intended for automating repetitive tasks within a specific context. Macros consist solely of actions without accompanying conditions, as there’s no automated ticket assessment to determine their relevance. Agents manually assess tickets and apply macros as needed. Typically created by users, macros prove especially beneficial for enhancing personal or team productivity.

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