AutoHotkey

Features The main AutoHotkey features contain

• Activating programs and file, using the script to launch programs, open documents.
• Automate almost anything by sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. You can write a mouse or keyboard macro by hand or use the macro recorder.
• Create hotkeys for keyboard, joystick, and mouse. Virtually any key, button, or combination can become a hotkey.
• Expand abbreviations as you type them. For example, typing "btw" can automatically produce "by the way".
• Create custom data-entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars.
• Remap keys and buttons on your keyboard, joystick, and mouse.
• Respond to signals from hand-held remote controls via the WinLIRC client script.
• Run existing AutoIt v2 scripts and enhance them with new capabilities.
• Convert any script into an EXE file that can be run on computers that don't have AutoHotkey installed.
• Include scripting power with use of variables, loops and windows, files and folder manipulating capabilities.
• Custom data entry forms (GUI windows), working with the system registry, or using a window's own API by manipulating certain DLLs.

More AutoHotkey capabilities

• Remapping the keyboard, such as from QWERTY to Dvorak or other alternative keyboard layouts.
• Using shortcuts to fill in frequently-used filenames or other phrases.
• Controlling the mouse cursor with a keyboard or joystick.
• Opening programs, documents, and websites with simple keystrokes.
• Adding a signature to e-mail, message boards, etc.
• Monitoring a system and automatically closing unwanted programs.
• Scheduling an automatic reminder, system scan, or backup.
• Automating repetitive tasks in online games (often in violation of said games' terms of service)
• Filling out contest and freebie forms automatically(i.e., it can type in your name, address, etc. automatically)
• Quick code testing before implementing in another (more time consuming) programming language.
• Change the volume, mute, and other settings of any soundcard.
• Make any window transparent, always-on-top, or alter its shape.
• Use a joystick or keyboard as a mouse.
• Monitor your system. For example, close unwanted windows the moment they appear.
• Retrieve and change the clipboard’s contents, including file names copied from an Explorer window.
• Disable or override Windows' own shortcut keys such as Win+E and Win+R.
• Alleviate RSI with substitutes for Alt-Tab (using keys, mouse wheel, or buttons).
• Customize the tray icon menu with your own icon, tooltip, menu items, and submenus.
• Display dialog boxes, tooltips, balloon tips, and popup menus to interact with the user.
• Perform scripted actions in response to system shutdown or logoff.
• Detect how long the user has been idle. For example, run CPU intensive tasks only when the user is away.
• Automate game actions by detecting images and pixel colors (this is intended for legitimate uses such as the alleviation of RSI).
• Read, Write, and Parse text files more easily than in other languages.
• Perform operation(s) upon a set of files that match a wildcard pattern.
• Work with the registry and INI files.

AutoHotkey against AutoIt Comparison between AutoHotkey with AutoIt

• AutoHotkey started within AutoIt.
• AutoHotkey is an opensource tool while AutoIt is closed-source tool.
• AutoHotkey is open-source (GPL). AutoIt defies simple classification.