Typing other non-keyboard characters such as the sign × used, e.g., in describing a room as 10′×12′.

Typing punctuation not provided on the keyboard, such as curved quotes ( “… ”).

Using shortcuts to fill in frequently-used file names or other phrases.

Remapping the keyboard, such as from QWERTY to Dvorak or other alternative keyboard layouts.

Memory access through pointers is allowed just as in C. The source code is in C++ and can be compiled with Visual Studio Express.

The scripts can be compiled into an executable file that can be run on other computers that do not have AutoHotkey installed. More complex tasks can be achieved with custom data entry forms ( GUI windows), working with the system registry, or using the Windows API by calling functions from DLLs. Further, scripts can be initiated automatically at computer startup and need not interact with the keyboard at all, perhaps performing file manipulation at a set interval. AutoHotkey also allows for 'hotstrings' that will automatically replace certain text as it is typed, such as assigning the string 'btw' to produce the text 'by the way' when typed, or the text '%o' to produce 'percentage of'.

Keyboard keys can also be remapped or disabled, such that pressing Ctrl+ M, for example, might result in the active window receiving an em dash - or nothing at all. These commands can be triggered by a hotkey, such as a script that would open an internet browser whenever the user presses Ctrl+ Alt+ I on the keyboard. AutoHotkey scripts can also assign, retrieve, and manipulate variables, run loops and manipulate windows, files, and folders. Features ĪutoHotkey scripts can be used to launch programs, open documents, and emulate keystrokes or mouse clicks and movements. The AutoHotkey installation includes its own extensive help file, and web-based documentation is also available. User interfaces can easily be extended or modified by AutoHotkey (for example, overriding the default Windows control key commands with their Emacs equivalents). Scripting language Automation GUI utilityĪutoHotkey is a free and open-source custom scripting language for Microsoft Windows, initially aimed at providing easy keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys, fast macro-creation and software automation that allows users of most levels of computer skill to automate repetitive tasks in any Windows application.

AutoHotkey 2.0.10 downloading