AutoHotkey
Free, open-source scripting language for Windows automation
What is AutoHotkey?
AutoHotkey is a free, open-source scripting language for automating the Windows desktop. Scripts define hotkeys for the keyboard and mouse, remap keys, expand abbreviations as you type, send keystrokes and launch programs. It is licensed under the GNU GPLv2 and overseen by the AutoHotkey Foundation, a volunteer-run organization set up to keep the software free of charge.
AutoHotkey is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Windows users who want custom hotkeys and key remaps at no cost
- People comfortable writing or adapting short scripts
- Text expansion and repetitive data entry on Windows
Worth knowing
- Windows only: the vendor describes it as a scripting language for Windows and lists no other platform.
- Everything is defined in plain-text script files, so using it means learning AutoHotkey's scripting syntax.
- Games with cheat-prevention measures such as GameGuard or Hackshield are likely to block AutoHotkey.
- Antivirus programs sometimes raise false-positive alerts, more often for compiled and compressed scripts.
Key features
- Hotkeys
- Bind keys, key combinations and mouse buttons to scripted actions. Hotkeys can be made window-specific so they work only in certain applications.
- Hotstrings
- Abbreviations that expand into longer text as you type, which also serve as autocorrect-style replacements.
- Key and button remapping
- Remap keyboard keys or mouse buttons to other keys, alongside the hotkeys defined in the same script.
- Sending input and running programs
- Scripts can send keystrokes to simulate typing, run programs and open websites, which covers jobs such as form filling, auto-clicking and macros.
- Compile scripts to EXE
- Ahk2Exe turns a script into a standalone executable that contains the interpreter, so it runs on a PC without AutoHotkey installed.
- A full scripting language
- Built-in commands suit beginners, while experienced developers get a language that supports procedural, object-oriented and command-based styles and can build GUIs.
AutoHotkey pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole program is free and open source under the GNU GPLv2. The AutoHotkey Foundation says it was created to prevent monetization of the software.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| AutoHotkey | $0 | The full scripting language as an installer or ZIP download, with English documentation included. Donations are optional. |
Read from autohotkey.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with AutoHotkey before you buy.
AutoHotkey alternatives
- AutoHotkey vs PhraseExpress
Free plan
- AutoHotkey vs Keyboard Maestro
Free trial · from $36 one-time
Common questions
Is AutoHotkey free?
Yes. AutoHotkey is free to use. The whole program is free and open source under the GNU GPLv2. The AutoHotkey Foundation says it was created to prevent monetization of the software.
How much does AutoHotkey cost?
AutoHotkey lists one plan. AutoHotkey: $0. Prices were read from autohotkey.com on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does AutoHotkey work on?
AutoHotkey is available on Windows.
Does AutoHotkey have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. AutoHotkey is listed for Windows.
Does AutoHotkey have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. AutoHotkey is listed for Windows.
Is AutoHotkey open source?
Yes. AutoHotkey is open source, according to its own site.
Who makes AutoHotkey?
AutoHotkey is made by AutoHotkey Foundation LLC. It dates from 2003.
What are the alternatives to AutoHotkey?
The closest alternatives to AutoHotkey in our directory are Microsoft PowerToys, Espanso, PhraseExpress, Hammerspoon and Keyboard Maestro. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with AutoHotkey.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.