The template synthesis of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes derived from 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol with diethylenetriamine or 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane produce the 12-membered $N_3O$ and 17-membered $N_4O$ macrocyclic complexes, respectively. The geometry of the complexes has been determined with the help of electronic and EPR spectroscopic values and found to be five coordinated square pyramidal and, six coordinated distorted tetragonal for 12-membered and 17-membered macrocyclic complexes, respectively. Electrochemical studies of the mononuclear $N_3O$ and $N_4O$ copper(II) complexes show one irreversible oneelectron reduction wave at $E_{pc}=-1.35$ and -1.15 V respectively, and the corresponding nickel(II) complexes show irreversible one-electron reduction wave at $E_{pc}=-1.25$ and -1.22 V, respectively. The nickel(II) complexes show irreversible one-electron oxidation wave at $E_{pa}=+0.84$ and +0.82 V, respectively. All the complexes were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity against the human pathogenic bacteria and fungi.