In the following script example, the script has multiple lines, and as shown, must be finalized with the 'return' command to prevent anything following this script from being executed. However, in the above example, it's only one line and needs no additional commands. #z::Run Most scripts are more than one line. Otherwise, this line can be added to a new script, saved, and ran to allow this shortcut to work. Which can be done now if you have AutoHotkey installed and the default autohotkey.ahk loaded. Each shortcut key can be comprised of any of the following modifier keys and any other letters, numbers, or other keys on the keyboard followed by two colons (::).ĪutoHotkey includes two example scripts, the first one (as shown in the picture) opens the AutoHotkey web page when you press the Windows key and Z at the same time. When using a keyboard shortcut any shortcut can be used as long as Windows has not already assigned those keys to another task. Script basicsĮach script in AutoHotkey can also be assigned a keyword (hotstring) or a personalized keyboard shortcut key. Each time AutoHotkey loads when your computer starts this default script loads this script. The default script (AutoHotkey.ahk) opens in your default text editor and allow you to add or change your script. AHK File FormatĪHK files are saved to disc as plain text files and contain lines of code that can be executed by AutoHotkey.If you plan on always using the same scripts you can also load AutoHotkey at startup, right-click the AutoHotkey icon ( ) in the Windows notification area, and click Edit this script.

AHK files can be opened with text editors such as Microsoft Notepad and Notepad++.

AHK files are powerful enough to carry out complex tasks using the hotkeys defined using the hotkeys.

The file is executed by AutoHotkey and all the actions are performed sequentially. It contains instructions for automation of tasks using shortcut keys that can be used to perform instant actions. An AHK file is a script file generated with AutoHotkey software application that is used for automation of tasks in Microsoft Windows.

Autohotkey scripts