For all your Windows automation needs, try the open-source program AutoHotkey. It’s the closest thing to the Mac application Automator, which is designed for personal automation. The AutoHotkey scripting language is at the heart of AutoHotkey, which allows you to program your own shortcuts and scripts, remap keys, and construct macros to automate repetitive tasks.
Just a few examples of what you can do with AutoHotkey are binding actions to keys, expanding abbreviations and programmed actions using hotstrings, and grouping commands into functions. In addition, as your familiarity with the scripting language and the tool grows, so will its potential applications.
So, if you’re new to AutoHotkey or simply seeking for scripts, here are a few that will help you streamline your job on Windows.
Important Scripts to Have in AutoHotkey
You can utilize the user-created scripts accessible on various forums, or you can write your own script if you can’t find one that suits your needs. In order to have a firm grasp of AutoHotkey, you should review the material we’ve already provided on the subject’s fundamentals. Key Mapping
If a key on your keyboard stops working, AutoHotkey can reassign its functionality to another key so you can keep working until you can get it fixed. The following syntax may be used to remap a key: CapsLock::Shift. In this case, the CapsLock key is being remapped to the Shift key. Keys can be swapped out for convenience.
Distinct Trash Can
A file that is deleted normally in Windows is sent to the Recycle Bin. Over time, the contents of the Recycle Bin can take up a significant amount of storage space, so it’s important to empty it. If your computer supports AutoHotkey, you can perform this task with a single keystroke. To achieve this, simply create a file and add this line to it: Del::FileRecycleEmpty. While Ctrl + Del has been our default keyboard shortcut, you are free to pick whatever combination works best for you.
Take note: Here are some must-know character references in AutoHotkey:
Windows! – Alt + – Shift – Ctrl #
Quickly access a Favorite Website or File
It’s a good idea to streamline and automate the process of opening frequently-used websites if doing so is essential to your productivity. You only need one line of code to accomplish this in AutoHotkey. To do this, add the following code to an AHK script file:!G::Create an AHK file by launching chrome.exe visiting https://www.google.com. When you use our command, the page you want to visit will open in Google, but you can use it with any web browser.
You can use a script similar to the one described above to assign a shortcut key to access a list of commonly used folders. Make use of the! command when making a file to accomplish this.D::Click the “C:UsersDellDownloads” executable. Make sure the script’s shortcut and folder path match what you wish to launch. Right-clicking a folder will bring up its Properties menu, where you may see its full location.
Clipboard Content Search
Search queries are text strings entered into a web browser to retrieve relevant results. However, with AutoHotkey, you can streamline the procedure and cut out some of the busywork. Make use of the following line of code in an AutoHotkey script to do this:!G::Open Google Chrome and paste the contents of the clipboard into the address bar. This script basically does a Google search for anything is copied to the clipboard. Simply copy the text you wish to research and then use the keyboard shortcut provided.
Text Auto-Correction
Most modern smartphone keyboards also include an automatic correction feature that fixes common typos. However, computers do not have this capability. However, AutoHotkey stands in to fill the hole via scripts, as is the case with most missing features and functionality. The AutoCorrect script can help you avoid embarrassing typos by suggesting appropriate replacements for over 7,000 words, including common contractions.
Find the AutoCorrect Program
Quickly Inserting Special Characters
Typing special characters like those used in trademarks, copyrights, etc., necessitates the usage of modifier keys, specifically the Alt sequences on the keyboard. The vast majority of these shortcuts to certain characters are impractical and even annoying. AutoHotkey allows you to set hotkeys (custom shortcuts) for frequently used special characters, making it easy and quick to insert them. A typical shortcut is shown here:!We’ve mapped the Alt + C keyboard shortcut to the copyright symbol in C::SendInput.
Shift Function Keys’ New Uses
The shortcuts provided by the computer’s function keys make using the device much more efficient. However, several of these keys are rarely utilized. AutoHotkey allows you to assign new functions to your keyboard’s extra function keys if you find yourself in a similar situation. Assigning a function key to launch a frequently-used program is one option. The following command can be used to reassign a key’s function: Launch “C:Program Files (x86)GoogleChromeApplicationchrome.exe” with the F3 key. You can change the function key and the software to meet your needs.
Start Menu Item Search Quickly
When using Windows, the Start Menu is a helpful tool for quickly navigating to the files and folders you need. However, if you have a large number of installed apps and files, the Start Menu might become cluttered and difficult to navigate. The Seek AutoHotkey script was made for just such an occasion; it allows the user to assign a hotkey that, when pressed, displays just the folders and programs that fit the user’s criteria, making it possible to quickly zero in on the desired item.
Locate a Seek Script
Keep a Window on the Top at All Times
When you have a lot of software installed on your computer, you might need to keep one of them active at all times so you can use it and stay abreast of any changes. With AutoHotkey, you may set up a quick keyboard shortcut for it. To do this, add the following line of code to an AutoHotkey script:!Save your changes by typing CapsLock::Winset, Alwaysontop, A. To make a window stay on top, just pick it and hit the keyboard shortcut you programmed into the script.
Contract Text
It’s not uncommon to find oneself using the same stock phrases whenever you have to create code or answer to numerous emails or discussions. Using a script in Windows, you can avoid typing the same thing over and over again. Simply add this line of code to an existing.ahk file:::hhig::I hope you are well. Hello, how are you doing? is substituted for hhig in our code. Of course, you’re free to switch it out for your own preferred acronym. In fact, you can fill the file with all the acronyms you already use or want to employ.
Coding Addendum
It’s not always easy to prevent key shortcut conflicts when assigning key combinations to actions in AutoHotkey scripts, even though doing so is inherently preferable. Therefore, in these scenarios, disabling AutoHotkey temporarily from the system tray (or tray menu) is the recommended course of action. Instead, let’s write a script in AutoHotkey to automate the process. To do so, insert this line of code:!CapsLock::Create a script in AHK and suspend to it. You can use whichever shortcut key you choose instead.
Using AutoHotkey to Its Full Potential
You can save yourself a lot of time and effort by using AutoHotkey to automate your routine, mundane tasks. If you’re using Windows, you should definitely check out AutoHotkey and see how you can put its scripting power to good use. The AutoHotkey website has a wealth of information, including comprehensive guidance on how to use the program’s various features to write your own complicated scripts to automate system tasks.