Autohotkey the shortcut king
Autohotkey Setup:
Autohotkey (Ahk) is the rabbit hole into the world known as efficiency addiction.
It is an open source program and most beneficially of all - it's safe and free to download.
Please download using the link on -
Ahk Portable : https://portableapps.com/node/39299
Ahk's official page : https://www.autohotkey.com/ - This version if on a personal computer
The following guide will be based off Ahk Portable ,
I personally use Ahk
Portable due to work places not permitting users to install programs on their work devices.
For instructions to set up Autohotkey for the first time - click here
Highly recommended to follow the setup before continuing.
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated nor sponsored by this company , but I really enjoy using their software and the community behind Autohotkey is amazing.
Blocked by Admin on Work Device
Before we begin I will explain the basics.
Hotkey / Shortcut key / Macro :
A hotkey is a key or a combination of keys on a computer keyboard that when pressed at one time, performs an automated input sequence that imitates keystrokes or mouse actions.
Typically used to replace a repetitive series of keyboard and mouse actions and are common in spreadsheet and word processing applications like MS Excel and MS Word.
Script : A script is program or sequence of instructions that is automatically executed.
Example of programming a script to create a hotkey :
Let's create my favourite script that I alluded to at the end of Cell Data Manipulation .
How to insert a single row :
SC029 & r:: ; User input - Press ` + r keys
Send, !hir ; Your PC then sends alt + h + i + r ,
; which is the sequence of keys required to make MS Excel insert a single row.
; Note, ! means 'alt' in Ahk scripts
return ; You must put return at the bottom as it signifies the End of the Script
Okay, so that may not mean much to you yet, but bear with me.
Follow me in the gif as you read the steps below.
- Open and edit the Autohotkey default script.
- Copy and paste the above code into the script editor and save it.
- Open the icon tray and right click on Ahk to 'Reload this script'.
Reloading a script will re-execute the saved changes you have made.
- Go to Excel and press ` + r
- Congratulations, you have successfully loaded and launched your very first hotkey and script!
Gif demonstration of how to initiate the code above.
If viewing on a mobile device please view desktop version as the gif does unfortunately get cutoff.
That was pretty useful wasn't it?
My personal script and hotkeys for Excel explained and downloadable - Click here.
Learn to create your own script!
Even better than using my script is for you to go and try it out yourself.
There are many supporting communities and guides behind Ahk and here are some of my favourites. Click below.
- Ahk's official 'Hotkey Guide'
- This is great for understanding what and how hotkeys are used and will be the bulk of what we will be using Ahk for.
- Ahk's official 'Remapping Keys Guide'
- Read how to change the functions of keys, this is help you create the sequences of keys that will initiate your hotkeys and scripts.
- Ahk's official 'List of Keys'
- List of keys for your reference when you create your hotkeys.
- Ahk's official forum
- The place to get all the help and tutorials your curious mind can ask for.
- Ahk Q&A Reddit
- A safe space where many requests and questions for Ahk scripting are answered.
Ask a question yourself or find your answer by reading other people's inquiries.