Automations let you spend less time clicking and more time playing. Roll20 offers several types of automations that make your games faster, smoother, and easier to manage. Each works a little differently, but they all serve the same goal of helping you focus on the action, not the setup.

Macros & Token Actions

Macros are custom shortcuts for frequently repeated commands. GMs often use them to roll quick saving throws for NPCs, trigger random tables, or run quick utility actions. Macros belong to the game, and are always visible at the bottom of the screen. They are created and managed in the Collections tab in the right sidebar.

Token Actions are a variant of macros that belong to an individual character, not the game. They appear at the top of your screen when you select that character’s token. They are commonly used for attacks, ability checks, and other character actions. Because Token Actions are tied to individual characters, you’ll find and manage them under the Advanced Tools / Attributes & Abilities tab of their character sheet.

Macros and Token Actions use the same technology, they’re simply used in different contexts.

Mod Scripts (API)

Mod Scripts are advanced automations available to Pro and Elite Subscribers. Where macros can only read game data, Mod Scripts can read, write, and change it, letting you program your own custom Roll20 features. You can write your own scripts or install community-made ones from the Mod Library.

They’re often used for tasks like:

• Adding multiple NPCs to the Turn Tracker
• Updating character stats or automating rests
• Creating Area of Effect templates or visual effects
• Running complex GM utilities

Condition Sync

Condition Sync is available to Pro & Elite subscribers using D&D 2024. When you add a condition (like Poisoned or Blinded) on your character sheet, it appears automatically on your token. If you add it to your token first, it updates your sheet instead. This keeps everything perfectly in sync without extra clicks.

Where to Start

• New to automation? Start with Macros & Token Actions. They’re simple and available to everyone!
• Want more power? If you’re a GM, upgrade to Pro or Elite and explore Mod Scripts to add more features to your games!