AutoHotkey_L

AutoHotkey is a free, open source macro-creation and automation software utility that allows users to automate repetitive tasks. It is driven by a custom scripting language that is aimed specifically at providing keyboard shortcuts, otherwise known as hotkeys.

AutoHotkey_L is a fork of AutoHotkey which adds a long list of new features and fixes some bugs. Anything that can be done with AutoHotkey can also be done with AutoHotkey_L. Scripts written for AutoHotkey will also run on AutoHotkey_L, with some exceptions (see Warning below).

Commonly-used features include:

• #if expression allows context-sensitive hotkeys to be activated based on whether an expression is true or false.
• Unicode and x64 support for greater portability; Unicode is a must-have for international users.
• COM and ActiveX support, allowing scripts to access many other automation technologies.
• Built-in array support simplifies dealing with lists of values and other data structures.
• Support for icons in menus and numerous enhancements to the Gui commands.
• New built-in variables, functions and other enhancements; read more.

Many more optional features are aimed at experienced users:

• New control flow statements and language capabilities such as Loop..Until, named loops and variadic functions.
• Optional warnings, #Include <Lib> and the local function library are especially useful for larger projects.
• Step through code line by line, inspect variables and more, with interactive debugging features.
• Objects can be used as simple data containers, or behaviour can be customized by scripts.
• Try..Catch and Throw for structured exception handling.

Discuss AutoHotkey_L at the AutoHotkey Community Forums.

Warning

Many scripts written for AutoHotkey work on AutoHotkey_L without modification, but not all. In particular, scripts which use DllCall or SendMessage may require modification to work on the Unicode or x64 versions of AutoHotkey_L. Some other minor modifications may also be required. For details, refer to Script compatibility.

Also note that the installer replaces existing installations of AutoHotkey or AutoHotkey_L.

Windows 9x and NT4 are not supported. Windows 2000 support is barely tested and may require specific Windows updates.

Downloads

Installer - includes binaries, English documentation and script compiler.

Binaries (portable zip downloads):

• Unicode x86 - recommended for new scripts.
• Unicode x64 - for increased performance on 64-bit systems.
• ANSI x86 - better compatibility with some older scripts.

Compiler - updated version of Ahk2Exe, required to compile scripts.

Documentation - compiled help files for offline use:

• English
• Chinese (中文)
• German (Deutsch)

Some older downloads are available in the archives.

Source code is available for AutoHotkey_L and Ahk2Exe via git or http download at github.

Software License: GNU General Public License.