AutoHotkey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
AutoHotkey

Developer(s)	Chris Mallett, Steve Gray
Initial release	November 10, 2003; 21 years ago (2003-11-10) (Chris Mallet) July 18, 2008; 17 years ago (2008-07-18) (Steve Gray)
Stable release	2.0.15  / Error: first parameter is missing. ()
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Type	Scripting language Automation GUI utility
License	GPLv2

AutoHotkey is a special computer program for Microsoft Windows. It's a free and open-source tool. This means anyone can use it and even change its code. AutoHotkey helps you make your computer do tasks automatically. It's great for creating quick keyboard shortcuts, also called hotkeys. You can also make "macros," which are recorded sets of actions. This program helps users of all skill levels automate boring, repeated tasks on their Windows computer.

What AutoHotkey Can Do

AutoHotkey scripts are like mini-programs you write. They can do many helpful things.

Automate Your Computer

You can use AutoHotkey to:

• Start programs or open documents.
• Make your computer type things or click the mouse for you.
• Control windows, files, and folders.
• Manage information using variables and run loops.

Create Custom Shortcuts

You can set up special shortcuts. For example, you could press Ctrl to open your internet browser. You can also change what keys do. For instance, pressing Ctrl could type a long dash (—).

Use Hotstrings

AutoHotkey has "hotstrings." These automatically replace text as you type it. If you type "btw," it could instantly change to "by the way." Or "%o" could become "percentage of."

Run Tasks Automatically

Scripts can even run by themselves when your computer starts. They don't need you to press any keys. This is useful for tasks like organizing files regularly.

Advanced Features

For more complex tasks, AutoHotkey can:

• Create custom pop-up windows (called GUI windows).
• Work with the Windows Registry, which is like the computer's settings database.
• Use parts of Windows called the API.
• Turn your scripts into standalone executable files. These can run on other computers even if AutoHotkey isn't installed there.

How AutoHotkey Started

The first test version of AutoHotkey came out on November 10, 2003. The creator, Chris Mallett, wanted to add hotkey support to another program called AutoIt. When that didn't happen, he decided to build AutoHotkey from scratch. He based its rules on AutoIt v2.

In 2010, a new version called AutoHotkey v1.1 (or AutoHotkey_L) became the main one. It was where most new work happened.

Version 2.0 Released

In July 2021, the first test version of AutoHotkey v2 came out. The official version 2.0.0 was released on December 20, 2022. By January 2023, AutoHotkey v2 became the main version. The older v1.1 version stopped getting new features in March 2024.

Examples of AutoHotkey Scripts

Here are some simple examples of what AutoHotkey scripts look like and what they do.

Google Search Shortcut

This script helps you search on Google very quickly. First, you copy some text from any program. Then, you press the Win keys. This will open your web browser and search Google for the text you copied.

#g::Run "https://www.google.com/search?q=" . A_Clipboard

Text Replacement Hotstring

This script creates a "hotstring." If you type afaik in any program and then press a space or enter, it will automatically change to "as far as I know."

::afaik::as far as I know

Extra Features from Users

People who use AutoHotkey have also created many extra tools and connections. These let AutoHotkey work with other programming languages like:

Other important additions allow AutoHotkey to support things like:

About Malware and AutoHotkey

Sometimes, people use AutoHotkey to create programs that are not good, like malware. When AutoHotkey is used to make a standalone program, it includes parts of AutoHotkey itself. This means that when antivirus software finds a bad program made with AutoHotkey, it might sometimes mistakenly think AutoHotkey itself is the problem, instead of the bad program that used it. AutoHotkey itself is a safe and helpful tool.

See also

In Spanish: AutoHotkey para niños

• AutoIt (for Windows)
• AutoKey (for Linux)
• Automator (for Macintosh)
• Bookmarklet (for web browsers)
• iMacros (for Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer)
• Keyboard Maestro (for Macintosh)
• KiXtart (for Windows)
• Macro Express (for Windows)
• Winbatch (for Windows)