- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: February 20, 2006
- Total Downloads: 135,113
- Downloads last week: 636
- See full specifications
A newer version of AutoHotkey is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 143 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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 :This open-source utility can automate almost anything by sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. You can write macros by hand or use the macro recorder. You can also create hotkeys for keyboard, mouse, joystick, and handheld remote controls. Virtually any key, button, or combination can become a hotkey. Similarly, you can define abbreviations that expand as you type them. Typing btw can automatically produce by the way. Finally, you can create custom data entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars. Other features: change soundcard settings (like volume or mute); use a joystick or keyboard as a mouse; remap keys; or alter its shape; manipulate the clipboard; customize the tray menu's icon and menu items; run existing AutoIt v2 scripts; and convert any script into an EXE file that can be run on any computer.Reduces flickering when resizing or moving GUI controls. Version 1.0.42.03 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
What's new in this version:
- Fixed crash of WinActivate in certain rare circumstances. [thanks twhyman]
- Changed hotstrings to require the mouse hook by default (see next item). This can be prevented via #Hotstring NoMouse.
- Improved hotstrings to take into account mouse clicks. This allows a hotstring to fire when the user's click focuses a new control or moves the caret.
- Improved the Random command with a means to set a new seed. [thanks Laszlo]
- Improved #ClipboardTimeout to ... see all new features
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User reviews of AutoHotkey 1.0.42.03
- Average user rating: 0 stars Not yet available
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6 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Version: AutoHotkey 1.0.42.03
"A million tasks built into one little macro / hotkey product."
Pros: I needed a way to shut down my monitor with a one stroke demand, and this was the way to do it. Better that expected, it allows you to take your command, and rather than execute it with a combination of keystrokes you have the choice to place it all into a little *.exe program. Now you can click on an onscreen icon, or in my case, allow your remote control do your bidding with one press of a button (which carries out the *.exe program you created). My RemoteWonder from ATI has 6 buttons that can run any user chosen application. I set one up, using AutoHotKey and the compiler, to immediately shut down my monitor. I didn't even need to write the script, I found it on the Autohotkey forum.
That was all I needed it for, but I am sure now I will be even more creative and use it for many other repetitive tasks.
Cons: It appears daunting at first, but I am sure with time you can learn the scripting even if you are a newbie. Meanwhile, look for prewritten scripts on their forum!
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