AutoHotkeys

AutoHotkey, often abbreviated as AHK, is a free, open-source scripting language for Windows designed to automate repetitive tasks, remap keys, and create custom keyboard shortcuts. Scripts are plain text files with the .ahk extension that can simulate keystrokes, mouse clicks, manipulate windows, and interact with the Windows API.

The project originated in 2003 and has since evolved through multiple versions and forks. AutoHotkey began as a lightweight tool for hotkey remapping and automation and grew into a versatile scripting language. Development is community-driven, with ongoing improvements and documentation hosted on platforms such as GitHub. AutoHotkey v1 remains widely used, while AutoHotkey v2, released to address language design and consistency issues, represents a major but incompatible update.

Key features include hotkeys and hotstrings for rapid text and action substitution, GUI automation, and the ability to create complex automation flows with variables, functions, loops, and conditional logic. The language supports sending keystrokes and mouse actions, interacting with windows and controls, and invoking Windows API calls. Scripts can be compiled into standalone executables using the included Ahk2Exe tool, simplifying distribution.

Usage commonly starts with basic hotkey definitions, such as a line binding a keyboard shortcut to an action. Simple examples are complemented by setup directives like #NoEnv and Run commands. The ecosystem offers extensive documentation, a large repository of user-contributed scripts, and community forums for sharing and troubleshooting.

Limitations include its Windows-centric scope, potential security considerations with downloaded scripts, and differences between AutoHotkey v1 and v2 that can affect compatibility.