AutoHotkey icon
AutoHotkey icon

AutoHotkey

 866 likes

AutoHotkey is an open-source Windows scripting language for task automation. It crafts scripts for operations like form filling and auto-clicking, initially starting with hotkeys yet evolving into a complete script language. Converts scripts to executables, works offline, and supports debugging.

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License model

  • FreeOpen Source

Country of Origin

  • US flagUnited States

Platforms

  • Windows
4.2 / 5 Avg rating (40)
866likes
35comments
0news articles

Features

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Properties

  1.  Lightweight

Features

  1.  Task Automation
  2.  Key rebinding
  3.  Global hotkey
  4.  Support for scripting
  5.  Macro Recording
  6.  Text Expansion
  7.  Key Mapping
  8.  Custom Scripts
  9.  Exe Compiler
  10.  Portable
  11.  Support for Hotkeys
  12.  Works Offline
  13.  Ad-free
  14.  Automatic Looping
  15.  No Coding Required

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AutoHotkey information

  • Developed by

    US flagAutoHotkey Foundation LLC
  • Licensing

    Open Source (GPL-2.0) and Free product.
  • Written in

  • Rating

    Average rating of 4.2 (40 ratings)
  • Alternatives

    156 alternatives listed
  • Supported Languages

    • English

AlternativeTo Categories

Office & ProductivityOS & UtilitiesSystem & Hardware

GitHub repository

  •  10,499 Stars
  •  1,013 Forks
  •  19 Open Issues
  •   Updated May 10, 2025 
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Our users have written 35 comments and reviews about AutoHotkey, and it has gotten 866 likes

AutoHotkey was added to AlternativeTo by lmennuti on Apr 16, 2009 and this page was last updated Feb 13, 2025. AutoHotkey is sometimes referred to as AHK.

Comments and Reviews

   
 Post comment/review
Comment summary: AutoHotkey is praised for its versatility in automating tasks, scripting hotkeys, and improving user interface interactions. Users find it particularly beneficial for remapping keyboards, managing hotkeys, and performing repetitive tasks efficiently. Despite its powerful script-based automation, the syntax is often criticized for being unintuitive, which can complicate learning and usage. Concerns exist over possible virus detections in older versions, and some would prefer a more standardized syntax akin to popular programming languages.
Top Positive Comment
vctls
Dec 3, 2017
3

Someone actually managed to write an AutoHotkey IDE using only AutoHotkey: https://sourceforge.net/projects/autogui/

I heard you like scripts…

Top Negative Comment
AJS-Caticorn
Jan 10, 2025
0

This shows as the top Windows alternative to Typinator for Mac, but this is very misleading. Typinator has a very easy-to-use interface that anyone can understand. AutoHotkey requires knowledge of coding, and is not straightforward at all.

Stephen Hurley
Dec 20, 2024
0

Great program, well detailed documentation and robust general functionality.

JimLegal
Oct 6, 2024
0

I only wish author would try more to mold the syntax towards a common language. Not to replace it, but model it like ie javascript and move towards syntactically imitating it more.

AlternativeReview
Feb 12, 2024
-4

Too much VirusTotal positives (~10) for older versions.

webzooks
Feb 8, 2024
1

With this app I can remap keys on any keyboard. I like to switch keyboard layout by pressing CapsLock. And AHK helps to do it. It has nice community sharing their own scripts.

TandemVolcano
May 1, 2023
1

I only use very basic scripts on the app, which are simple yet very useful. Even if you know 0 of coding (like I do), snooping on the internet and reverse engineering will help you cover the basics. For the rest, it has a pretty active community which could come of help. For now I only use the volume control with middle wheel and for opening Flow Launcher, which already makes it worth it for me.

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7 of 35 comments

What is AutoHotkey?

AutoHotkey (AHK) is a free, open-source macro-creation and automation software for Windows that allows users to automate repetitive tasks. It is driven by a scripting language that was initially aimed at providing keyboard shortcuts, otherwise known as hotkeys, that over time evolved into a full-fledged scripting language.

You can use AutoHotkey to:

  • Automate almost anything by sending keystrokes or mouse clicks, or via COM.
  • You can write a mouse or keyboard macro by hand or a recorder.
  • Create hotkeys for keyboard, joystick, and mouse.
  • Remap keys and buttons on your keyboard, joystick, and mouse.
  • Expand abbreviations as you type them.
  • Retrieve and change the Clipboard's contents.

You can also:

  • Convert any AHK script into an executable file that can be run on computers where AutoHotkey is not installed.
  • Create custom data-entry forms, user interfaces and menu bars.
  • Automate data entry jobs by reading data from text files, XML, CSV, Excel and various database formats.
  • Read signals from hand-held remote controls via the WinLIRC client script.
  • Use the Component Object Model (COM).
  • Use arrays, structures, matrices, and objects.
  • Use variadic functions.
  • Use DLL calls and Windows Messages.
  • Use Perl Compatible Regular Expressions (PCRE).
  • Use interactive debugging features.

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