Icon of program: AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey for Windows

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Key Details of AutoHotkey

  • Automate keystrokes easily
  • Last updated on
  • There have been 6 updates
  • Virus scan status:

    Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Enlarged image for AutoHotkey
AutoHotkey 0/1

Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

AutoHotkey automates keystrokes and mouse clicks to more efficiently handle repetitive tasks, like clicking through screens or entering your street address. You can also write macros or use the app's macro recorder. AutoHotkey supports scripting, too. Best of all, AutoHotkey is open source freeware.

AutoHotkey offers many features that simplify computer tasks. You can customize your keyboard or create shortcuts for common activities. It allows you to set up scripts for routine text inputs like adding signatures to emails or filling out online forms. You can also control your mouse or joystick with keyboard commands. AutoHotkey makes it easy to open frequently used programs and documents with just a hotkey. You can manage window sizes and positions with ease. Setting up automatic reminders, system scans, or backups to run without your help is another benefit. For more advanced users, AutoHotkey supports working with system functions, managing files and folders, and using pointers for more complex tasks.

To create a script in AutoHotkey, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on your desktop.
  2. Choose "New" from the menu that appears.
  3. Select "AutoHotkey Script" from the options.
  4. Name your file, ending with ".ahk"—for example, "MyScript.ahk".
  5. Right-click on the file you just created and choose "Edit Script".
  6. A text editor window, usually Notepad, will open for you to start writing your script.

Pros

  • Setup options: AutoHotkey's setup process includes options galore.
  • Hotstrings: Hotstrings expand abbreviations into full text, but they can trigger any action you can script.
  • Screen management: AutoHotkey's ImageSearch command can search screen regions for images. PixelGetColor records the color of single pixels at precise screen coordinates. PixelSearch searches for pixels by color.
  • Windows management: AutoHotkey has many Windows controls, including Groups (GroupActivate, GroupAdd, GroupClose, GroupDeactivate). Directives enable direct (sometimes brute force) commands for many operations.

Cons

  • Complex: AutoHotkey makes things easier, but it has so many options, features, and capabilities that less experienced users might find it daunting.
  • Scripting: It's not difficult to write macros, and AutoHotkey provides extensive instructions and support; nevertheless, it's another aspect that might intimidate inexperienced users.

Bottom Line

AutoHotkey is an impressive app with almost limitless capabilities in the right hands. Some users might find it intimidating, which is a shame because AutoHotkey is actually easy to use and can automate the most basic commands as easily as complex strings.

What’s new in version 2.0.19

  • Changed commands and functions with a WinTitle parameter to treat cloaked windows as hidden.
  • Added support for reverse PixelSearch in fast mode.
  • Added InputHook OnKeyUp callback.
  • Fixed GroupDeactivate to exclude the Desktop on Windows 10 (and possibly 8).
  • Fixed Switch treating strings as always true.
  • Fixed A_PriorKey being blank after Unicode characters are sent.
  • Fixed WinActivate to not assume NULL foreground window == taskbar.
  • Fixed Send {Del} not restoring AltGr after releasing it.
  • Fixed vk13 and sc045 as remap destination keys.
  • Removed unnecessary checks for Control and Sleep in one-line hotkeys.
  • Removed obsolete Windows 9x/NT4 support code and performed other maintenance.
Icon of program: AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey for Windows

Download now

Used AutoHotkey for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
2.0.19
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
425,717
Downloads Last Week
18
Report Software

Program available in other languages

Last Updated

User Reviews

4.4/5

164 User Votes

Developer’s Description

By AutoHotkey
Automate repetitive tasks by creating macros and hotkeys for your mouse, keyboard, and joystick.

AutoHotkey is an open-source utility and 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. For example, typing btw can automatically produce by the way. Finally, you can create custom data entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars.

Other features include remap keys, change soundcard settings (like volume or mute), use a joystick or keyboard as a mouse; make any window transparent, always-on-top, 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 PC.

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