Macros
Macros are pre-built sequences of line items in Xactimate that are inserted into an estimate with a single command. Macros reduce estimate creation time from approximately 3 hours to 45 minutes for a standard residential re-roof.
The Speed Advantage in Xactimate
A Xactimate macro is a pre-built sequence of line items that inserts into an estimate with a single command, reducing estimate creation time from approximately 3 hours to 45 minutes for a standard residential re-roof. A macro is a pre-built sequence of line items in Xactimate that inserts with a single command. Instead of adding shingle tear-off, underlayment, drip edge, starter strip, shingles, ridge cap, pipe jacks, ice and water shield, and disposal one at a time, a single macro drops all of them into the estimate at once. Quantities still need to be adjusted for the specific job, but the line item selection is done.
Experienced estimators and supplement companies build custom macro libraries for every common job type they handle.
What a Macro Library Looks Like
Top supplement companies maintain 50-200+ macros organized by job type and complexity. Each macro is fine-tuned to include the line items that belong on that specific type of repair, in the correct categories, with appropriate notes.
| Macro Example | Line Items Included | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|
| Standard architectural re-roof | Tear-off, underlayment, drip edge, starter, shingles, ridge cap, pipe jacks, I&W shield, disposal | 45-60 min |
| Siding replacement (vinyl) | Removal, housewrap, siding, J-channel, trim, caulk, painting | 30-45 min |
| Water mitigation setup | Extraction, dehumidifiers, air movers, monitoring, antimicrobial | 20-30 min |
| Gutter replacement | Removal, gutters, downspouts, hangers, end caps, sealer | 15-20 min |
During storm season, macros are the difference between a supplement writer processing 5-10 estimates per day and one struggling through 2-3.
Building Macros That Actually Work
A good macro starts with the most complete version of the job and trims down, not the other way around. Build your standard re-roof macro with every line item that should be on a complete scope: tear-off, all layers of underlayment, every flashing type, ventilation, and disposal. It is faster to delete a line item you do not need than to remember one you forgot.
Customize macros for your market. If your state requires ice and water shield at the eaves, include it in every roofing macro. If your region commonly uses synthetic underlayment instead of felt, make that the default. The macro should reflect how the job is actually built in your area, not a generic national template.
Macros and the PDF-to-ESX Workflow
When you convert a carrier's PDF scope to an ESX file, macros accelerate the supplement process. Start with the converted ESX file as your baseline - the carrier's scope with all their line items intact. Then run your macro for that job type and compare. Every line item in your macro that is missing from the carrier's scope is a potential supplement item. This comparison method is systematic and repeatable, which is how supplement companies maintain consistency across hundreds of claims during a busy season.
Frequently asked questions
Top supplement companies maintain libraries of 50-200+ macros customized to their most common job types. During storm season, macros are how writers process 5-10 estimates per day instead of 2-3.
A macro might include all line items for a standard architectural shingle re-roof: tear-off, underlayment, drip edge, starter strip, shingles, ridge cap, pipe jacks, ice and water shield, and disposal. Instead of adding each item individually, one macro inserts them all.
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