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Build a Macro (Scene)

Goal: create a reusable sequence of actions — a "Movie Time" scene, an "All Off", a "Good Morning" — that you can run from a button, a schedule, or a trigger.

A macro is the building block of all GEM automation. A scene is just a macro whose steps set several zones to a desired state.

Before you start​

  • You're logged in as an administrator.
  • The devices and zones you want to control are commissioned (see Commission a Device).

1. Create the macro​

  1. Open Macros and click Add.

    Open Macros

  2. Fill in the properties:

    • Name — internal identifier, lowercase_with_underscores (e.g. movie_time).
    • Label — the display name people see (e.g. "Movie Time").
    • Subsystem — the logical category; affects where the macro appears in UIs.
    • Timeout (ms) — optional cap so a stuck macro can't run forever.

  3. Set the Elevated flag deliberately:

    :::warning New macros default to Elevated = on An elevated macro can only be run by users with an elevated role. For a user-facing scene or UI button, turn Elevated off. Keep it on for macros that arm security, unlock doors, or run privileged scripts. Server-side triggers and schedules run the macro regardless of this flag. :::

  4. Save.

2. Add steps​

Open the macro's Edit Steps action to build the sequence.

  • The most common step is a command — it targets a device or zone and sends an action (on, off, open, set_level) with any parameters (such as a brightness level).
  • Steps run in order. Add a step per action: e.g. dim the lights, lower the shades, turn on the receiver, select the input.
  • GEM offers other step types for delays, conditions, and calling other macros. See Macros in the Admin Reference for the full step catalog.

:::tip Build scenes from current state Set the room the way you want it by hand first, then add steps that reproduce that state — it's faster than guessing levels. :::

3. Test it​

Use the macro's Run action to execute it immediately and confirm every device responds as intended. Adjust steps and re-run until the scene is right.

Use the macro​

Once it works, you can:

  • Macros in the Admin Reference — every property and step type.
  • Find References (a macro row action) shows everywhere a macro is used before you change or delete it.