AutoHotKeys

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated June 29, 2020)

1

AutoHotKeys is more like a system than a single-purpose utility. It allows you to do almost anything you can imagine. The reason it's so powerful is because it uses a unified scripting language. Don't be put off by this if you're not a programmer, though. There are a lot of pre-written scripts available that you can use. (For instance, I downloaded a script called "AutoCorrect", which automatically corrects misspelled words anywhere I type them.)

In addition, writing your own scripts to perform small tasks is quite simple. For instance, a script I have that automatically toggles between minimizing and normalizing a SQL Server window only takes one line. I mostly use AutoHotKeys to define my Windows shortcut keys, and these can be defined in just a few lines. Using this utility, for example, I created a shortcut key (Ctrl+Alt+E) to launch Microsoft Excel by using these three lines:

^!e::
Run "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\EXCEL.EXE"
Return

Another shortcut I created allows me to type just a few characters, and AutoHotKeys immediately expands what I typed into a long SQL statement. Another shortcut holds my e-mail address.

AutoHotKey scripts are normal ASCII files that can be edited with something like Notepad. They all have an ".ahk" extension. The default script lives in your Documents folder, is named "AutoHotkey.ahk", and by default is run when you log in—so all your hot keys are available to you immediately. You can have as many .ahk files as you like, and you can run as many as you like.

I have just scratched the surface of what all can be done by using AutoHotKeys. I recommend that you download a copy and see if it would be useful to you.

AutoHotKeys is a free download and can be retrieved from this site:

https://www.autohotkey.com/

 This tip (12987) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding Data Execution Prevention

Windows has many malware-prevention features. One of these is Data Execution Prevention. This tip provides an explanation ...

Discover More

Understanding Virtual Memory

Computers can address far more locations than may exist in physical memory. The key to this feature is the use of virtual ...

Discover More

What is the Purpose of the Forwarded Events Event Log?

The Forwarded Events event log collects events that have been forwarded from other computers. In this way you can login ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Setting an Alarm

By using the alarm capabilities of Windows, you can make sure you never miss another important time again. This tip shows ...

Discover More

Focus On Your Tasks

Distractions can cause unfortunate delays in completing projects and tasks. With Focus Assist you can easily block out ...

Discover More

WizMouse

WizMouse was developed with one goal in mind: scroll the window under the mouse wheel even if it's not the active window. ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine minus 7?

2020-06-29 06:38:11

Jim

I was unaware of this. Thanks! I've been using .bat files as shortcuts.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.