AutoHotkey
Open SourcePowerful Windows automation with a simple scripting language. Create hotkeys, macros, and automate any repetitive task.
By AutoHotkey Foundation v2.0.19 20M+ installs Updated
Pros
- Free and open source with an active community
- Extensive library of pre-made scripts online
- Can automate almost any Windows action
- Lightweight with tiny system footprint
- V2 syntax is cleaner and more object-oriented
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex automation
- Windows-only (no macOS/Linux support)
- V1 vs V2 script incompatibility can be confusing
Overview
AutoHotkey (AHK) is the go-to automation tool for Windows power users. With a simple scripting syntax, you can remap keys, create text expansion shortcuts, automate GUI interactions, and build complex workflows — all without any prior programming experience.
Common Use Cases
- Text expansion – Type
;emailand it expands to your full email address - Window management – Snap windows, resize, move with a single hotkey
- Application launchers – Open apps, websites, or folders with key combos
- Gaming macros – Automate repetitive in-game actions
- Form filler – Auto-fill common data across applications
Quick Start
; Press Win+N to open Notepad
#n::Run "notepad.exe"
; Text expansion: type :addr and get your address
:*:addr::123 Main Street, Suite 100Technical Specs
- Category
- PC Automation
- Platform
- Windows
- Pricing
- Open Source
- Version
- 2.0.19
- Developer
- AutoHotkey Foundation
- Released
- Nov 2003
- Updated
- Oct 2025
- Installs
- 20M+