Need some hot key scripting? AutoHotKey has the answer

This entry was posted in Review Software Tips and tagged AutoHotKey Macros and Text Substitution Scripting on by

Was on the lookout for a scripting app that would be powerful enough to script some GUI testing as well as provide some simple but useful windows and text scripts. Came across Autohotkey which seems to have developed no end since the last time I looked at it some time ago. I installed without any issues using the 64 bit version for my main Windows 7 machine and set about getting some scripts in place. Although the documentation is comprehensive to say the least – it took me a little time to find what I was after but once I had the basics the program performed well.

I do suspect that I will be seeing a lot more of this application over the next few weeks as I dig deeper but its worth a look if even all you want is a simplish way to set macro keys to lauch various apps or to provide a simple way to insert date and time into documents or have simple substitutions BTW -> By The Way or YS – yours Sincerely Joe Bloggs.

Take the time and I’m sure you will see just how powerful and app this can be but be prepared to spend time understanding the syntax and options to get the most from it.

PS …

If  specifically its the substitution you are after take a look here

http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/Hotstrings.htm

Bit more info from the websites blurb to give you a feel

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source utility for Windows. With it, you can:

  • Automate almost anything by sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. You can write a mouse or keyboard macro by hand or use the macro recorder.
  • Create hotkeys for keyboard, joystick, and mouse. Virtually any key, button, or combination can become a hotkey.
  • Expand abbreviations as you type them. For example, typing “btw” can automatically produce “by the way”.
  • Create custom data-entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars. See GUI for details.
  • Remap keys and buttons on your keyboard, joystick, and mouse. (Tempting)
  • Respond to signals from hand-held remote controls via the WinLIRC client script. (that should be fun)
  • Run existing AutoIt v2 scripts and enhance them with new capabilities.
  • Convert any script into an EXE file that can be run on computers that don’t have AutoHotkey installed. (Interesting)