How to create your own simple programs with AutoHotKey (even for Dummies)

You want to create a basic program to copy scripted events that you do routinely. This tutorial will show you how to make your own script programs to save you time. This tutorial is great for IT people.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• AutoHotKey

1. Download AutoHotKey from: http://www.autohotkey.com/download/AutoHotkeyInstall.exe
   (You can read about AutoHotKey at www.autohotkey.com.)
2. Run AutoHotKeyInstall.exe from the location that you saved the file in step 1. Note on some systems the .exe may not be displayed.
3. You are now in the install program.
   Click Next
4. You should read the agreement and when done click "I Agree."
5. Continue clicking Next till you get to the "Install" screen.
6. Click Install
7. Click Finish (You may remove the check from the box, unless you want to read the document.)
8. Hit the Windows key + R key at the same time.
   (You can also just go to Start > Run)
   
   The Windows Key is next to the ALT key on most full sized keyboards. Typically it will also have the word start on it.
9. Enter
   %PROGRAMFILES%\AutoHotkey\AutoScriptWriter\AutoScriptWriter.exe
   Hit Ok
   (The %PROGRAMFILES% is a variable that tells your computer to go to your program files directory.)
   
   You can also run this program from your start menu in the all programs listing under AutoHotKey.
10. Click the Windows Text button.
    (This will allow you to create a recorded script that also includes text you may type into windows.)
11. Click Record
    (The screen should minimize the recorder window.)
12. Do anything you would like to save as a run-able script. The script will then be able to mimic your actions in the future. For example perhaps you always open a browser and type in a long web address (I know, I know, you have bookmarks this is just an example though…)creating a script-able program for this would make it a one click action.
    
    When you are done hit the big stop button.
13. Next click Save from the main window.
14. Save the script somewhere that you can find it, e.g. the desktop.
15. Right click on your new script file and choose compile script.
16. Congratulation's, you have made your first scripted program. You now have an exe (executable file) that you can run anytime you want to save time. This could be used for all kinds of things like running a group of clean up tools on shutdown or whatever you prefer. Keep your scripts short and simple and you won’t have to figure out why something chokes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to move on to make a windowed based program first learn the easy scripting syntax, and then look into AutoHotkey’s GUI Creator.
• When you run your scripted program don’t play with the mouse and keyboard or you will cause the script to pause.