Credit: Tashreef Shareef/MUO

I avoided AutoHotkey for years because it seemed too complicated. Writing scripts sounded intimidating, and I figured it was only for those who knew how to code. Then I finally gave it a try, and everything changed. Tasks that used to take minutes were happening in seconds.

I now use it to open my daily apps with a single keystroke, visit frequently used websites instantly, enter specific blocks of text, and automate several other things. I’ve come to realize its incredible potential and can’t help but wonder why more people aren’t using it. Once you experience how much time and effort AutoHotKey saves, you’ll find yourself relying on it more and more.

What makes AutoHotkey special

It isn’t your average automation tool

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source app that lets you automate nearly anything you do on your PC. Unlike clunky macros that only work in specific programs, AutoHotkey gives you the power to create custom scripts that can do everything from launching apps to filling out forms to controlling your mouse and keyboard. In other words, you are not limited to preset scripts or commands. If you can imagine it, there’s a good chance AutoHotkey can make it happen.

What really makes AutoHotkey special is its flexibility. You can automate everything from simple repetitive tasks like moving data to complex workflows that would normally take dozens of clicks. You can even set up app-specific hotkeys that behave differently depending on the program you’re using.

Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve to using AutoHotKey, especially if you’ve never written scripts before. But the payoff is huge. Once you grasp the basics, you’ll start noticing opportunities to save time everywhere you look.

Automate almost any task in seconds

AutoHotkey does the hard work for you

The best thing you can do with AutoHotkey is automate your everyday tasks. I mostly use it for that, and it saves me over 30 minutes every day. For instance, instead of opening all my apps individually to start work, I have a single script that launches everything I need. It even arranges them exactly how I want, so my workspace is ready in seconds.

Another simple but huge time-saver is opening my frequently visited websites with a keystroke. I’ve assigned hotkeys like Ctrl+Alt+P, Ctrl+Alt+D, and Ctrl+Alt+N to open different websites instantly.

I’ve also set up an AutoHotkey script to Google any word or phrase instantly. This way, I can select any text, hit a shortcut, and it opens a new browser tab with the search results. Text shortcuts are another lifesaver. With specific key combinations, I can type long email templates, code snippets, or repetitive phrases that become effortless.

These are just a few examples. You can also use AutoHotkey to open apps and folders, auto-correct frequent typos, move windows across multiple monitors, or even create custom workflows for complex tasks. Once you start exploring, you’ll realize that anything repetitive on your computer can be automated.

Create app-specific hotkeys

One key, different actions

One of the most underrated features of AutoHotkey is the ability to create app-specific hotkeys. Unlike global shortcuts that work everywhere, this lets you create hotkeys that only activate when a particular program is open. This means you can assign the same key combination to do completely different things depending on which app you’re using.

For example, in my text editor, I have a hotkey that instantly inserts frequently used code snippets. The same key combination does nothing in Slack, so there’s no accidental triggering. In Excel, another set of shortcuts automates formatting and repetitive calculations, but these shortcuts stay inactive when I switch to another program.

This can be handy when you’re using an app or program that doesn’t allow you to customize the default keyboard shortcuts. It also helps if you’ve switched to a new app but keep finding yourself instinctively using old shortcuts. With AutoHotkey, you can make your muscle memory work everywhere, without conflicts or mistakes.

Pro tip: using AI can speed up your AutoHotkey workflow

Let AI write scripts for you

AutoHotkey is great, and it’s also been around forever, so why hasn’t it been more popular? The main reason is the learning curve. Writing scripts from scratch can feel intimidating, and honestly, that’s what kept me from using it for so long.

But that’s no longer a problem with all the powerful AI tools available today. Now, all you need to do is describe the task you want to automate, and the AI can create the code for you. You can also copy scripts available online and customize them for your workflow. Just make sure any scripts you use are written for AutoHotkey version 2.0, since the syntax differs from older versions. With AI handling the coding, the intimidating part of scripting is no longer an issue.

---

At the end of the day, productivity isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. AutoHotKey can help you do just that. Every click you eliminate brings you closer to a faster, smoother, and more efficient workday, so you can focus on the things that really matter.