====== Macro Activation ======

===== Overview =====

In order to run (execute) a macro:
  * One of its [[Triggers|Triggers]] must be invoked
  * It can only be triggered if it is active
  * It can only be active if it meets all of the activation criteria, including being enabled

Activation/Deactivation is a dynamic process, automatically set by the Keyboard Maestro Engine as your Mac's environment changes in real time.  The criteria for activation is set by the user in the [[Macro_Groups|Macro Group]] setup.

===== Definitions =====


 * **Active/Inactive**
   * Active means that the macro can be triggered for execution when any of the trigger conditions are met
   * Macros are Active **only** if all of the following conditions are met:
     * Both the Macro and Macro Group are enabled
     * The activation criteria (set by the user) for the [[Macro_Groups|Macro Group]] are met

 * **Enabled/Disabled**
   * By default, all macros and groups are _Enabled_.
   * _Enabled_ means a macro is available to be triggered, if, and only if, other criteria are also met.
   * If a macro is disabled, or is in a disabled Macro Group, it cannot be triggered under any circumstances
   * You can toggle enable/disable by:
     * Click on the ✔ or ✖ in the upper right corner of the macro or group
     * View menu > Toggle Enable
     * Run another macro with _[[action:Set_Macro_or_Group_Enable|Set Macro or Group Enable]]_ Action

===== Macro Group Activation =====

{{:km-7-macro-activation.png?nolink|}}


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===== Examples =====

If you are having trouble understanding Macro and Macro Group Activation, or trouble controlling when [[Conflict_Palette|Conflict Palettes]] appear, then take a look at these Keyboard Maestro Forum posts.

  - [Example Using Multiple Macro Groups To Use Same HotKey for Different Macros in Different Apps](https://forum.keyboardmaestro.com/t/how-can-i-use-the-same-hotkey-in-different-apps-but-with-no-conflict-palette-appearing/16427/6)
  - [Example for Using Multiple Macro Groups that Exclude Applications](https://forum.keyboardmaestro.com/t/how-can-i-use-the-same-hotkey-in-different-apps-but-with-no-conflict-palette-appearing/16427/7)


===== See Also =====

==== Related Forum Topics ====

  * [[https://forum.keyboardmaestro.com/t/how-to-package-a-palette-group-and-sub-macros-it-uses/3853/20|Discussion about Macro Activation]]