CNET Editors' review
This freeware program lets power users perform complex operations by pressing a few keys. A quick glance shows that the AutoHotkey script language offers a wide range of opportunities.
First, it can run programs, manipulate program windows, and send keystrokes or mouse clicks. Multimedia or Internet keyboards are supported, and you can plug in nonstandard devices. It can also handle files and folders. For instance, it can check whether there is enough free disk space, then delete all temporary files if there isn't. Most remarkably, you can pack your scripts into EXE files that will run on any PC, even without AutoHotkey installed.
AutoHotKey hogs a grand total of only 1MB of memory when running in the background. However, the user interface is minimal, so you will have to read the manual carefully and write scripts yourself. The program works great as a script-running engine, but we would like to see more tools in the interface, such as a script library and an integrated scripting environment. AutoHotkey should appeal to advanced users with some command of scripting and a dislike for removing their fingers from the keyboard.
Publisher's Description
From AutoHotkey:
AutoHotkey is a free, open source utility for Windows.
With AutoHotkey, you can:
- Automate almost anything by sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. You can write a mouse or keyboard macro by hand or use the macro recorder.
- Create hotkeys for keyboard, joystick, and mouse. Virtually any key, button, or combination can become a hotkey.
- Expand abbreviations as you type them. For example, typing "btw" can automatically produce "by the way".
- Create custom data entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars. See GUI for details.
- Remap keys and buttons on your keyboard, joystick, and mouse.
- Run existing AutoIt v2 scripts and enhance them with new capabilities.
- Convert any script into an EXE file that can be run on computers that don't have AutoHotkey installed.
What's new in this version:
- Fixed StringUpper and StringLower to work when OutputVar is the clipboard (broken by v1.0.45). [thanks songsoverruins]
- Fixed the hotkeys ~Alt, ~Control, and ~Shift to fire upon upon press-down rather than release (broken by v1.0.44). Background: Without the tilde, Alt/Control/Shift fire upon release to avoid taking over both the left and right key. But a specific left/right hotkey like LAlt or RShift fires upon press-down.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 173 votes
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Current version:
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"gets the job done"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.07.03
Pros
supports all key combinations
very useful for automation
custom create handy keyboard shortcutsCons
need to spend some some time to write the scripts, it would be nice if there is UI for writing the scripts with pre-populated drop downs etc.
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"I don't want to read a 50 page manual"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.07.03
Pros
It looks very in depth. IF you need more than something simple and are willing to learn this is for you....
Cons
You have to learn too much, I need to make a couple simple macros for a game, but this requires way too much trouble to do.
Summary
too much to learn... not interested...
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"Extremely versatile"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.05.01
Pros
Powerful automation language. Free. Useful.
Cons
No real user interface. Cryptic macro language. Quite a learning curve. Not for the faint of heart.
Summary
If you can handle the monster it is powerful as a monster. Noobs stay clear.
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"Amazing time saver"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.0.47.04
Pros
Enormous amount of commands can be customized. This has sped up my computer use a ton from hotkeys for opening CS5 to my blog, yo restarting and logging off and opening directories that are buried deep within other folders etc.
Cons
If you type in a command that ahk does not recognize it is difficult to remedy the situation. i have a separate notepad with my custom hotkeys saved within.
Summary
It takes a little while to get used to the program but the user manual is pretty good and guides you through basically any command you might want to create. I wrote a quick post with some sample scripts and how to get started. Check it: http://tiggity.blogspot.com/2011/11/create-your-own-custom-hot-keys-with.html
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"Do you want to be a scriptwriter?"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.05.01
Pros
Personally, I want a program that allows a quick interface for customization. I was left with the feeling that I needed to start from scratch with this app. Not my cup of tea. I have a business to run so spending even 1 hour figuring out the interface and programming code is too much for me.
But I do appreciate the clean code. If you enjoy programming and the power of the code this app provides, go for it!Cons
Have some time on your hands if you're not a geek.
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"Incredibly powerful automation tool"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.04.01
Pros
- simple to learn the basics, like creating shortcuts to launch programs.
- great forum with top coders that are more than willing to help others.Cons
- high learning curve for the most advanced scripting abilities (Dll calls, RegEx, etc)
Summary
the ability for this scripting language to be able to automate, control, change almost anything you can think of in a Windows environment is amazing. I've been using this for almost a year, and i'm still blown away by what some of the top coders are able to accomplish.
for advanced stuff, check the forums, because chances are, someone's already done it. and for simple automation that I can write myself and use everyday: my wrists thank you. -
"Too complicated"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.04.01
Pros
Ok for techies who know how to use this, ie writing script.
Cons
Too complicated for the simple things regular people want it to be able to do.
Summary
I'm much happier with Hotkey Master, not available here. Go to hotkeymaster.com
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"Super powerful. Tough learning curve. For Techies."
Version: AutoHotKey 1.1.02.03
Pros
It can do anything. Seriously, anything. Mouse clicks, launch programs, and someone has even developed an entire portable platform to make dropbox portable. Tons of excellent scripts and functions to download.
Cons
You have to script or "program" everything. Thus hotkeys are what most stick to, and downloading pre-existing scripts beyond that.
Summary
If you've done any programing, specifically scripting, it's a must. It'll fine tune your scripting skills, and give you the power to do anything with your machine. Hotkeys, gestures, manage windows, programs, etc. Glance at the script showcase to get an idea of what it can do: http://******/nBycBt
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"Fantastic time saver for repetitive tasks"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.0.91.05
Pros
This program really is fantastic & I use it heavily at work & at home. Create shortcuts on any key, create abbreviations that expand to a full paragraph & more
Cons
you do have to be comfortable with learning the notepad scripting to make it work, it isn't particularly complicated but perhaps makes it unsuitable for complete novices.
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"AWSOME Little Program!!"
Version: AutoHotKey 1.0.48.05
Pros
Wow, even record mouse clicks... not just what is relevant to where my curser was at the time, but at the actual click point. AND you can make and .EXE program to run in your startup folder. Oh, and NO ads... it's completely free. WOW!!
Cons
There may be a slight learning curve to this as it does involve some scripting. But to me it was easy to learn and the samples help a TON.
Summary
This little program ROCKS! No disappointments whatsoever once I got the hang of the scripting. Best of all IT'S FREE. Completely. NO ads!!
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