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March 5, 2023

I have recently learned the ISP supporting the shopping cart I use for my ComputorEdgeBooks.com AutoHotkey books will drop the product after May of this year. That means the site that will no longer be available for sale of the books. For those who have purchased through the site (or plan to before June), don’t worry. I have downloaded all of the order information and will continue to support the availability of the books in your orders. Just contact me through this blog. If necessary, I will email copies of the books upon request to those who need additional access due to computer crashes or other unusual events.

All the books currently on the site are up-to-date and I currently have no plans for further updates. The books primarily address AutoHotkey version 1.1 with some references and examples of version 2.0. I do not plan to rework the books to address version 2.0 programming. I’m not ready to start such a massive undertaking. My life has taken a different direction.

You may ask if the release of AutoHotkey version 2.0 makes my books obsolete. If you plan to pursue only version 2.0, then, with the exception of Hotkeys, Hotstrings, and scripting techniques, I would have to say yes (at least for 75% of your coding). While the logic in the many 1.1 apps and examples remain useful and the information about Hotkeys and Hotstrings is virtually identical in version 2.0, you would need to convert the commands in the books into version 2.0 functions. This does not present a problem for short examples but can get quite involved for some of the longer scripts. If your primary goal involves implementing Hotkeys and Hotstrings, then you may find my books valuable for some time to come. (I continue to use my many version 1.1 apps, such as QuickLinks and numerous Hotstrings on a daily basis.) Some topics such as Regular Expressions (RegEx) already use functions, making the information in the books 99% compatible with version 2.0.

If you plan to stick with AutoHotkey version 1.1, you may find my books very helpful. Version 1.1 is virtually bulletproof and you will be able to use it for some time to come. Be aware that, in general, AutoHotkey will no longer support version 1.1—not that it needs much support.

You’ll find a great deal of AutoHotkey information in the blogs posted here. They reflect the type of support found in the books. I plan to support this site by paying for its continuation for some time to come. If you find the articles useful, then you can contribute through the “Buy Jack a Cappuccino!” link at the right. (There’s no limit on the number of cups you can buy.) If you decide to buy my books before June 2023, then rest assured that I will find a way to keep them available to you after that date—regardless of any computer catastrophes that may happen to you.

January 31, 2022

I see that AutoHotkey version 2.0 has now moved into beta testing. That means the official release may occur in the not-too-far-off future. It’s important to remember that versions 1.1 and 2.0 are not compatible and use a significantly different syntax. If starting now, I may have used version 2.0, but you don’t have to.

The most recent update to version 1.1 occurred last August. That means future efforts likely will apply only to version 2.0. When I start up my blogging again, I will probably confine my efforts to the new version and how to convert 1.1 scripts to 2.0.

After all these years, version 1.1 offers a pretty solid platform and should continue to do the job for many years to come. (I also think that newcomers will find the current v1.1 a little easier to understand.)

If you want to learn more about the differences between the two versions, see A Peek at the Coming AutoHotkey V2.0.

January 5, 2022

I’ve reintroduced the deep savings for my AutoHotkey Library Bundles.

December 17, 2021

I just updated to Windows 11. For those worried about AutoHotkey compatibility, my most used apps work fine.

October 16, 2021

ComputorEdge.com is now a secure site. Which—since I don’t collect any user information—doesn’t mean very much. When you access the site, you should no longer get warnings and the little lock icon should appear at the beginning of the URL/search field in your browser. If not, refreshing the page should load the secure version.

October 14, 2021

I see that my provider has ported over ComputorEdge.com to a secure site. I need to do a number of things to update the site—especially the Free Apps page. I’m currently looking into it.

September 19, 2021

I’ve dropped the domain computoredgesoftwareshowcase.com as a blog site. I don’t have the time to invest in keeping it up anymore. For those interested in reviewing the content for historical purposes, I believe it may still be accessible at the original free site URL: https://computoredgesoftwareshowcase.wordpress.com/

Beginning on June 1, something changed in my bit of the AutoHotkey world. I’m not sure whether its just easier to pirate my books or the world is losing interest in AutoHotkey. In any case, a statistically improbable sharp drop-off in the number people purchasing my books forces me to evaluate my efforts.

I thank those many people who have recognized the value of my work and officially made them part of their AutoHotkey resources. I will continue to attempt to answer specific questions raised in the books and this blog. I plan to offer the books at the ComputorEdgeBooks.com (and this blog) until it is no longer economically feasible to maintain the shopping cart.

August 18, 2021

Using the FileSelectFolder command, “Using FileSelectFolder for Windows File Explorer AutoHotkey Menus.”

July 23, 2021

As difficult as I tried to make it, it turned out simple, “Adding Folders and Files from Windows to AutoHotkey Menus.”

July 12, 2021

Basic QuickLinks: “Barebones AutoHotkey QuickLinks App.”

June 21, 2021

Remove computer code from text “Strip HTML Tags from Text (AutoHotkey Quick Tip).”

June 8, 2021

“Alternative Web Page HTML Download Techniques (AutoHotkey Tip)“

May 31, 2021

Problem solved with OpenStreetMap.org: “Switched IPFind.ahk to OpenStreetMap.org for Reliable AutoHotkey GUI Map Embedding“

May 26, 2021

Quite a coincidence, but Google has completely disabled iFrame embedding of its maps just after I published my last blog. Not a problem. I merely returned to using OpenStreetMap.org in my IPFindMap.ahk script. The iFrame technique should continued to work for other non-Google sites which offer iFrame content embedding.

May 24, 2021

Now, the next step, “Embedding Google Maps in the IPFind.ahk GUI (AutoHotkey Web Trick).”

May 17, 2021

“Embed Google Maps in an AutoHotkey GUI (No API Required!).”

May 10, 2021

Add a map to your GUIs,”Use ActiveX Control to Embed World Maps in AutoHotkey GUI.”

May 4, 2021

The start of a new exploration, “Build a Barebones Web Browser Using the AutoHotkey ActiveX GUI Control.”

April 26, 2021

GUI Web links plus a couple of other tricks, “Adding Web Links to the AutoHotkey IPFind.ahk Script.”

April 19, 2021

More examples of how to calculate traditional measurement systems, “Working with Classic Units of Measurements (AutoHotkey Tricks).”

April 12, 2021

Here’s a neat AutoHotkey trick worth exploring, “Fake Math Tricks Using the Floor() and Mod() Functions (AutoHotkey Tips).”

April 5, 2021

Determine and future or past day on the calendar with “Calculating Dates in AutoHotkey by Adding Years, Months, and/or Days.”

March 29, 2021

A variation of the HowLongYearsMonthsDays.ahk script eliminating the GUI and multiple selections, “Using Parts to Build a New AutoHotkey Script (HowLongInstant.ahk).”

March 22, 2021

Another useful Regular Expressions (RegEx) technique, “Extracting Multiple Dates from Text Using AutoHotkey RegEx.”

March 15, 2021

Visit past blogs, “Working with AutoHotkey Date Formats and Timespan Calculations.”

March 8, 2021

Script running slow? Check out these AutoHotkey Speed Tips.

March 1, 2021

I’ve added a new menu item to the “Topics and Series” menu bar category located at the top right of this page (“Sending E-Mail and AutoHotkey“).

February 22, 2021

The astrology page for horoscopes change. I fixed it with “Adapting Web Scraping Routines to Changing Web Pages (AutoHotkey Tip).”

February 15, 2021

Posted another series page. This time “Finalizing an AutoHotkey Script.”

February 8, 2021

I’ve started putting together pages listing blogs with a common thread, “Finding Tips at Jack’s AutoHotkey Blogs.”

February 1, 2021

“Turn Web Addresses into Hotlinks for the AHK File Peek Window (AutoHotkey Tip).”

January 25, 2021

“A Trick for Creating a New Hotkey from a Subroutine (AutoHotkey Quick Tip).”

January 18, 2021

“Regular Expressions (RegEx) for Mining Text in Files (AutoHotkey Startup Control).”

January 11, 2021

“Peeking at Notes Inside Auto-Startup AHK Script Files (AutoHotkey Startup Control).”

January 4, 2021

“Add Submenus to the Auto-Startup Menu to Increase Options (AutoHotkey Startup Control).”

December 28, 2020

Build an icon right-click menu, “Adding Startup Folder Shortcuts to a System Tray Menu (AutoHotkey Startup Control).”

December 21, 2020

Reading the Startup folder, “Collecting File Information from Windows Folders Using AutoHotkey.”

Click the Follow button at the top of the sidebar on the right of this page for e-mail notification of new blogs. (If you’re reading this on a tablet or your phone, then you must scroll all the way to the end of the blog—pass any comments—to find the Follow button.)

December 14, 2020

I’m looking at AutoHotkey techniques for using the Windows Startup folder to manage favorite script shortcuts starting with “Auto-Loading AutoHotkey Scripts When Booting Windows.”

December 1, 2020

I’m currently working on updating the images in my posts at the AutoHotkey Forum. (You may need to reload the linked page to get the list.) Apparently, the images must come from a secure Web page.

November 23, 2020

More references for Chrome.ahk Web page automation tools: Moving Forward with AutoHotkey Chrome.ahk Tools

November 16, 2020

Writing Javascript Expressions: Using Chrome.ahk AutoHotkey Tools to Automatically Fill-in Web Forms (Part 2)

November 9, 2020

Analyzing HTML Code: Using Chrome.ahk AutoHotkey Tools to Automatically Fill-in Web Forms (Part 1)

November 2, 2020

First Chrome.ahk Web page automation post: “Installing Chrome.ahk AutoHotkey Web Page Automation Tools“

October 26, 2020

Fasten your seat belts! We’re about to dive into Web page automation. After this first intro to screen-level automation (“Automating Web Pages with AutoHotkey“), it can become a real mind-bender.

October 21, 2020

Coming soon! A new series of blogs on solving the problems with automating Web pages.

October 19, 2020

A beginner’s review of the AutoHotkey GUI pop-up controls: “Create Instant Windows Gadgets Using AutoHotkey Graphical User Pop-ups (GUIs)“

Joe Glines recently released a new AutoHotkey course targeting AutoHotkey GUIs. Here’s a link to the course “How to make a Graphical User Interface / GUI with AutoHotkey.”

October 12, 2020

Updated the SynonymLookup.ahk script to get it working again: Fixing AutoHotkey Web Lookup Scripts.

October 5, 2020

Sending Multiple Saved Data Items to Documents and Forms in AutoHotkey (Temporary Hotkeys)

September 28, 2020

AutoHotkey Object-Oriented Notation for Associative Arrays (A Short Intro)

September 23, 2020

A solution for a Hotstring capitalization problem: “AutoHotkey Quick Tip: Conditional Hotstrings Using the Input Command.”

September 21, 2020

Track Graphic Line Measurement Segments Using AutoHotkey Arrays

September 14, 2020

Measure Multiple Line Segments with an AutoHotkey On-Screen Ruler

September 7, 2020

Pass-Through Hotkey Combinations to Prevent Shortcut Blocking (AutoHotkey Tip)

August 31, 2020

How to Draw Lines with AutoHotkey Using Windows GDIPlus Graphics

August 24, 2020

Replace Hotkeys with the AutoHotkey GetKeyState() Function

August 17, 2020

Drawing Lines on Screens with AutoHotkey (Graphics Tips)

August 10, 2020

How to format long text sections (Quick and Dirty Multi-Line Text Formatting).

August 3, 2020

Measure distances on your computer screen. See Capturing Computer Screen Measurements (An AutoHotkey Tool).

July 27, 2020

Using the Windows Registry. See Saving Default Data in the Windows Registry (Part Six: Finishing AutoHotkey GUI Scripts).

July 20, 2020

Sometimes you may want to use a different filename extension. See Use Alternative Filename Extensions for Special Format Files (Part Five: Finishing AutoHotkey GUI Scripts).

July 13, 2020

The fourth part in the series about finishing the InstantHotstring.ahk script breaks the rules with GoTo statements: Use the GoTo Command to Traverse Long Subroutines (Part Four: Finishing AutoHotkey GUI Scripts).

July 6, 2020

The third part in the series about finishing the InstantHotstring.ahk script discusses detecting data modifications in GUI data, Sensing AutoHotkey Editing Changes for Instant Save (Part Three: Finishing AutoHotkey GUI Scripts).

June 29, 2020

In the second part of the series about finishing the InstantHotstring.ahk script, I look at special considerations for an instant save/update menu bar item, GUI Menu Bar “Save” Item Complications (Part Two: Finishing AutoHotkey GUI Scripts).

June 22, 2020

I’ve started a new series of blogs about finishing the InstantHotstring.ahk script. Part One: “Radically Improving AutoHotkey GUI Apps with Menu Bars“

June 15, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Alternative AutoHotkey Notices

June 8, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: ToolTip Command Tricks 

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Using SplashText for Peace of Mind

May 28, 2020

New Intermediate Online AutoHotkey Course for Novices from “The Automator”

May 25, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: WinMenuSelectItem for Windows Automation

May 18, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Cramming a Multitude of Controls into a GUI

May 14, 2020

Finding AutoHotkey Answers

May 11, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Cull Web Links from a Web Page and Activate Each in a Pop-up GUI

May 4, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Capture Web Page Addresses (URLs)

Click the Follow button at the top of the sidebar on the right of this page for e-mail notification of new blogs. (If you’re reading this on a tablet or your phone, then you must scroll all the way to the end of the blog—pass any comments—to find the Follow button.)

April 27, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Channeling Text to a Tagged Window

April 20, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Tricks for Tracking and Activating Target Process Windows

April 13, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Repeat Words and Phrases with RegEx Hotstrings

April 6, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Word Manipulating Dynamic AutoHotkey Hotstrings

March 30, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Guidelines for AutoHotkey Function Libraries

March 23, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: The Eval() Function for Hotkey Math Calculations and Text Manipulation

March 16, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Dynamic Regular Expressions (RegEx) for Math Calculating Hotstrings

March 15, 2020

Quick Tip: Using the Sleep Command with Clipboard Routines

March 9, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Auto-Capitalize the First Letter of Sentences

March 4, 2020

Quick Tip: The Best Way to Paste with the AutoHotkey Send Command

March 2, 2020

AutoHotkey Tips of the Week: The ComObjCreate() Function for Web Page Downloads, E-Mail, and Text Audio

February 24, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Quick Menu for Activating Open Windows

February 17, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of The Week: Evaluating Deprecated AutoHotkey Commands

February 10, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Windows Trick for Adding Embedded Folder Icons to QuickLinks Menus

February 3, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Adding Icons to Menus the Easy Way(?)

January 27, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Use Regular Expressions (RegEx) to Convert Repetitious AutoHotkey Code

January 20, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Add Dynamic Submenus to Static Menus Using Menu, DeleteAll

January 13, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: A Look at the New Switch/Case Command

January 6, 2020

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Toggling Features On and Off

December 30, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Use the GUI Menu Bar for Instant Hotkeys

December 23, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: AltSubmit Prevents One-Click Field Editing in GUI ListView Control

December 23, 2019

I take a new look at the old To-Do List script to demonstrate a practical AutoHotkey use for the Windows Registry in “How to Use the Windows Registry to Save Data Table Records.”

December 16, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Save Time with CodeQuickTester for Testing and Modifying Scripts

December 9, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Increase the Flexibility of Menus by Passing Data with the BoundFunc Object

December 2, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Fold Long AutoHotkey Menus into Columns

November 25, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Flexible AutoHotkey Hotstring Menus Using Arrays

November 18, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Use the Variadic Function Parameter for an Unknown Number of Values in Hotstring Menus

November 11, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Hotstring Menu Techniques for Inserting Symbols and Emojis

November 4, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: AutoHotkey Hotstring Menus for Text Replacement Options

October 28, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Understand How Hotstring Activating Text Works

October 21, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week—Powerful RegEx Text Search Shorthand (~=)

October 14, 2019

I only recently learned that you can do this! “AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Embed Images Directly in the AHK Script.”

October 7, 2019

AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Add Power to Any Command with Forced Expressions (%)—October 7, 2019

September 30, 2019

Print with AutoHotkey the easy way, “AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Quick and Dirty Printing—September 30, 2019.” Plus, a cheap way to get printer ink.

September 23, 2019

Add Hotkeys to your pop-up windows which only activate when the window exists, “AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Add Temporary Hotkeys to MsgBox Windows—September 23, 2019“.

September 16, 2019

This week “Add Single-Key Shortcuts to Pop-up Menus,” plus a trick for formatting code using Ryan’s RegEx Tester.

September 9, 2019

Instantly reverse errant characters, “AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Auto-Swap Transposed Letters—September 9, 2019.”

September 2, 2019

Too much text capitalization (or not)? Rather than retyping entire lines of text try this AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Instant Upper Case, Lower Case, and Initial Cap Text—September 2, 2019.

August 26, 2019

If you want to add those little pop-up messages you find on many Web pages to your AutoHotkey windows, then take a look at this AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: Use ToolTips to Make Apps User-Friendly—August 26, 2019.

August 12, 2019

I’ve started blogging Weekly AutoHotkey Tips. I’m reviewing my writing and looking for those ideas and techniques which AutoHotkey scriptwriters might find the most useful.

This week I talk about isolating your Hotkeys and Hotstrings to specific apps or windows—”AutoHotkey Tip of the Week: IfWinActive Versus #IfWinActive—August 12, 2019.”

July 28, 2019

This last part in this RegEx series “Pasting Date Parts into Forms (AutoHotkey RegEx Tips Part 4)” isn’t really the last of my dealing with Regular Expressions (RegEx).

I’m working on a similar script for totaling numbers on the fly in any document. Highlight the appropriate area of the document and hit the Hotkey combination. The script extracts the numbers, totals them, then presents their sum in a message box. Stay tuned!

July 18, 2019

Sometimes greed is good! See “Removing Excess Tabs and Spaces with RegEx Greed (AutoHotkey RegEx Tips Part 3)“

July 11, 2019

Part 2 in the Regular Expressions (RegEx) mini-tutorial, “Finding UK Postal Codes (AutoHotkey RegEx Tips Part 2).”

July 6, 2019

I’ve started a short series on using the power of Regular Expressions (RegEx) as demonstrated in the MultiPaste.ahk script, “Finding US Zip Codes (AutoHotkey RegEx Tips Part 1).”

June 26, 2019

AutoHotkey scripts don’t need to solve world problems. Sometimes the best AutoHotkey apps come in the form of simple quick tricks which make your Windows life just a little easier. This addition to the MultiPaste.ahk script saves a bit of time and a lot of aggravation—”Parsing and Pasting One-Line Street Addresses (AutoHotkey Multi-Paste Trick)“.

June 20, 2019

I’m working on the next blog which adds street addresses to the MultiPaste.ahk script for parsing a single-line address into its component parts. I’ve posted the MultiPaste.ahk script at both download sites (the primary site, ComputorEdge Free AutoHotkey Scripts, which includes a description, and the backup download site, ComputorEdge Software Showcase— ZIP file only), for your perusal.

Windows cut-and-paste operations have inflicted enough aggravation for me to incorporate this short MultiPaste.ahk script into my primary apps.

In this script and an upcoming script for quickly totaling selected numbers in any Web page, document, or spreadsheet, I make use of some relatively simple Regular Expressions (RegEx). All of these techniques would prove much more difficult to accomplish without Regular Expressions. In the near future, I plan to write a blog about the latest RegEx solutions buried in these scripts. It might surprise you to find how easily you can implement these tricks.

To learn more about how to use Regular Expressions (RegEx) in your AutoHotkey scripts, see the book Regular Expressions (RegEx) in AutoHotkey.

June 17, 2019

With this blog, “Brute Force Data-Set Copy-and-Paste (AutoHotkey Clipboard Technique)“, I start a short series on creating simple modified Windows Clipboard tools. I begin with a Multi-Paste script for parsing Clipboard data sets.

May 31, 2019

Username and Password Protection in AutoHotkey

May 17, 2019

E-mail the Daily Horoscope to Yourself (AutoHotkey Trick)

May 10, 2019

How to Send E-mail Directly from an AutoHotkey Script

May 6, 2019

Learn a fast, easy technique for displaying Web data on your Windows computer without opening a Web browser. Quick and Dirty Web Data Extraction Script (An Easy AutoHotkey RegEx Trick.

April 25, 2019

How to embed data and text files in .ahk scripts for automatic extraction. (Auto-Install Data and Text Files Embedded in .AHK Scripts)

April 18, 2019

A trick for moving MsgBox windows. How to Move a Message Box (MsgBox) Window (AutoHotkey Trick)

April 11, 2019

When to Rewrite Your AutoHotkey Scripts—a fix for the slow speed of the HotstringLoad subroutine for the  InstantHotstring.ahk script.

April 4, 2019

New Alternative Free AutoHotkey Scripts Download Site

Don’t miss your new blog notification:

March 29, 2019

Fixed the slow-loading problem in the InstantHotstring.ahk script. (Fixed the InstantHotstring.ahk Script Slow Hotstring Loading Problem.)

March 22, 2019

I think this is the first time I’ve taken a systematic look at setting fonts and colors in AutoHotkey GUI window controls (“Formatting Fonts and Colors in AutoHotkey GUI Window Controls“).

March 14, 2019

What really slowed down the loading of Hotstring files, AutoHotkey Script Speed Problems (Scripting Insights).

March 11, 2019

Sometimes we need a Progress window to convince us that our computer didn’t crash (Use Progress Bars When Loading Large Data Files (An InstantHotstrings Feature)).

March 7, 2019

I’ve updated the IPFind.ahk world IP address location script with a different Web site. The original site stopped working and provided less information. (The image at left shows the new IPFind message box.) I’ve added the change to my list of future blogs.

February 28, 2019

Timing Script Speed (AutoHotkey Quick Tip)

February 20, 2019

Loading Hotstrings into the InstantHotstring.ahk Script from Any AutoHotkey (.ahk) File

February 15, 2019

The Duality of Curly Brackets in Hotstrings (Beginning AutoHotkey Tips)

February 8, 2019

“Dealing with Hash Marks (#) in Hotstrings (AutoHotkey Quick Tip)“

January 29, 2019

For a look at how to save data using the FileSelectFile command, see “Use the FileSelectFile Command to Save Instant Hotstrings to an AutoHotkey File.”

January 25, 2019

I’ve recently realized why AI (Artificial Intelligence) will never present the threat that many believe. For one thing, we should call it artificial “sensing” rather than “intelligence” since it has nothing to do with intellect—except the human intellect and imagination which created it.

(Note to Jack: It’s very dangerous to make outrageous political statements in an AutoHotkey blog.)

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The more I work on the InstantHotstring.ahk script, the more things I learn about AutoHotkey. This time I highlight an easier way to write a Hotstring which includes italic (or bold) style without too many gymnastics, “Adding Italics to Hotstrings in Word Processing Software (AutoHotkey Quick Tip).”

January 23, 2019

See this exploration of the flexible, powerful Hotstring X option, “Add Action to Your Hotstrings Using the New X Option (AutoHotkey Tip).”

January 16, 2019

Using the InstantHotstring.ahk script might be a good way to learn how to write basic AutoHotkey Hotstrings. (“Using GUI Checkbox Controls to Set Hotstring Options (AutoHotkey Technique)“)

January 15, 2019

You’ll find lots of eating and drinking in the InstantHotstring.ahk script—far beyond the Hotstring() function. I’ve just added the capability to save your new Hotstrings in an AHK filename of your choice. You can either run the file directly with AutoHotkey or load the Hotstrings into the InstantHotstring.ahk app. I have yet to write a number of the remaining blogs about the many script features:

1. Dealing with the C1 (no case-sensitivity) Hotstring option as an exception in the InstantHotstring.ahk script.
2. A look at considerations when using the X (execute) option in the InstantHotstring.ahk script.
3. Using the FileSelectFile command to save/load Hotstrings by name.
4. Adding color and style to GUI window controls.
5. Tricks for adding a sample AHK saved file without using FileInstall command or a separate sample file. (No compiling required.)

January 13, 2019

I take a look at how to add Hotstring options to the InstantHotstring.ahk script (“Using GUI Checkbox Controls to Set Hotstring Options (AutoHotkey Technique)“).

January 9, 2019

Rick Corbett sent me “Errata to the Motley Assortment of AutoHotkey Tips Book.”

January 7, 2019

See another way people use AutoHotkey: An AutoHotkey Tale.

January 4, 2019

I have a little ways to go but here is a taste of what’s new:

The Coming Instant Hotstring Script (AutoHotkey App)

January 5, 2019 Update: You can find the InstantHotstrings.ahk script at the ComputorEdge AutoHotkey Free Scripts page.

December 23, 2018

Alan points out a simple technique for adding single-key shortcuts to the QuickLinks.ahk script, “Add Single-Key Shortcuts to QuickLinks App (AutoHotkey Quick Tip).”

December 20, 2018

I’ve added “Using the AutoHotkey Hotstring() Function to Disable/Enable Hotstrings” to the InstantHotstring.ahk script.

December 14, 2018

I started work on a script which uses the new Hotstring() function to create instant Hotstrings.

December 6, 2018

Last February, AutoHotkey released a major update which added a number of new Hotstring features. In particular, AutoHotkey Release 1.1.28.00 included a new Hotstring() function, as well as, a new x option for running commands and functions in the same one-line Hotstring.

This time a discuss various uses of the Hotstring x option but I plan to dig into the new Hotstring() function in the near future.

December 1, 2018

I’ve looked at a number of scripts which save settings to the Windows Registry. In “Save AutoHotkey Script Settings in Your Windows Registry” I demonstrate how you can do it in your scripts.

November 21, 2018

I added a short blog for “Pressing GUI Buttons with a Single Keystroke (AutoHotkey Tip)” Sometimes it’s just easier!

November 8, 2018

I conclude with the DateStampConvert.ahk script—at least, for now.

November 2, 2018

Use the Ternary operator to simulate Case statements.

October 30, 2018

Now, I offer a script to convert dates found in documents into the DateTime Stamp format required by most AutoHotkey date functions and commands.

October 19, 2018

I’ve added two new chapters to the “Second Edition of the New Beginner’s Guide” discussing how to use AutoHotkey to automate your PC software.

October 16, 2018

Solved the problem caused by an open MsgBox window: “Use Gui, +OwnDialogs to Glue Modal Dialogs Boxes to GUI Parent Windows (AutoHotkey Best Practice)“

October 11, 2018

Useful when you need it, “Swapping Variable Values (Beginning AutoHotkey Tip).”

October 8, 2018

I just published my latest book Jack’s Motley Assortment of AutoHotkey Tips. It’s a big one with over 80 chapters of miscellaneous tricks and techniques. Click the links below to review the “Table of Contents” and “Index“, plus learn how AutoHotkey Library Members can get a discount.

September 28, 2018

Up for some word counts?

September 21, 2018

Want to mess with the inner workings and hidden mechanisms of your Windows operating system? See “Adjust Windows Registry Settings with the AutoHotkey RegRead and RegWrite Commands.”

September 14, 2018

A quick and dirty trick with Ryan’s RegEx Tester!

September 7, 2018

Working on the upcoming book. Here you’ll find some raw code and future topics “A New Hotstring Trick and Converting Dates in Documents into DateTime Stamps (Coming Soon!).”

August 31, 2018

For a close examination of the code in the HowLongYearsMonthsDays.ahk script, see “Calculating Timespans in Years, Months, Days in AutoHotkey, Part 2 (Understanding the HowLong() Function)“.

August 29, 2018

I’ve rewritten the age calculating function (years, months, days). I now understand how it works.

August 23, 2018

I just posted the last of the series on “Legal ListView Techniques“—at least for now.

I’ve started posting again at the AutoHotkey forum. Mostly to help people who may have questions on topics I’ve previously addressed in this blog. I may post some of my favorite scripts such as MousePrecise.ahk. Who doesn’t want to move their mouse cursor one pixel at a time?

I’ve speculated about how the AutoHotkey community will handle Version 2.0. I found insight in a four-year-old thread (“Future of AutoHotkey_L“—AutoHotkey version 1.1). These comments seem as valid today as they were then. It looks like it’s happening. We just don’t know when.

August 14, 2018

We add a second GUI pop-up window to “Edit the ListView Data Table.”

August 8, 2018

Moving on to step two, we write a short routine which finds redundant data in a file using the ListView GUI control.

August 4, 2018

I just posted the first part of a series on the ListView GUI control (ListView GUI Control for Viewing Data Table Files (AutoHotkey Legal ListView Part 1)) as an expansion of the Latin Legal Terms blogs.

Michael Todd authored a new AutoHotkey app he calls InfoWarp – A small multipurpose launcher with text store/view capabilities | Michael’s Tech Notes – Blog. I haven’t had time to look at it, but if you give it a try, let me know what you think.

July 25, 2018

Other commitments have precipitated a short period of inactivity on this blog. I won’t get started again until next week, but at that time, I plan to undertake the next part of the Latin Legal Lingo series.

The next series of these legal blogs will deal with the most powerful of the AutoHotkey Graphical User Interface (GUI) controls—the ListView. Ideal for displaying data tables, ListView can manipulate and update data, as well as, add more AutoHotkey features to any script.

If you want to receive a notification when I post a new blog, click the “Follow” button at the top right of this page.

July 12, 2018

I’ve just posted a blog on sorting lists in AutoHotkey. This completes my AutoHotkey explorations of emojis. 😥 (At least, I think it does.) To review all of the AutoHotkey emoji magic, check out:

• Add Emoji Characters to Any Windows Document (AutoHotkey Hotstrings)
• Put Your Emoji Hotstrings in a Pop-up Menu (AutoHotkey Trick)
• Searching Data Files and Other Scripting Ploys with Emojis (Secret AutoHotkey Tricks)
• Sorting Lists for Emoji Menus (AutoHotkey Sort Command Tip)

Many of the techniques apply to any AutoHotkey project.

July 10, 2018

I didn’t know you could do this with emojis.

July 3, 2018

We put the emojis into Hotstrings. Now, we put the emojis into filtered menus using the same Hotstring file.

June 20, 2018

Add emojis to any Windows documents. 🦄

“I went to the 🏖 on a 🌞day. The 🌞 was so 🔆 that I needed to wear 🕶. I was lucky enough to see a 👩 in a 👙🖐 to me. I saw 🌊s, ⛵s, 🌈s, and a 🦄. Maybe, I had a few too many 🍻s.” 🙄

June 11, 2018

Have You Ever Purchased Any AutoHotkey E-Books at ComputorEdge E-Books? You Can Recycle Those Same Dollars When Upgrading to the AutoHotkey Mega Library Bundle!

June 7, 2018

Using AutoHotkey to figure out next Friday’s date for insertion into any document.

June 4, 2018

Clearing up confusion about AutoHotkey If statements: “A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding AutoHotkey If Statements.” I’ve made this mistake.

May 25, 2018

💡 Khanh Ngo made an improvement to the QuickLinks app which immediately got my attention. Why didn’t I think of that? “Open and Print Files with the QuickLinks App (AutoHotkey Tip from a Reader)” 🙄 

May 18, 2018

Want to know how to create a Hotstring which produces italics? See my latest blog: “Italicize Your Hotstring Replacements with this Input Command Ploy (AutoHotkey Tip).”

May 15, 2018

I’m so impressed with the simple little MousePrecise script for micro-movement of the mouse cursor that I featured it for the world at ComputorEdge Software Showcase!

May 9, 2018

I return to data-table driven scripts and the Input command with “More Hotstring Tricks Using the Input Command and a Data Table (AutoHotkey Legal Lingo Tips)“

May 2, 2018

How do you know when a Web page finishes loading into your Web browser?

April 27, 2018

Did your SynonymLookup.ahk app stop working?
Thesaurus.com changed their page formatting causing the script to fail, so I changed the Regular Expression in the latest version. I now use the links in the page source code—which needed some adjustments, so you may occasionally see a strange character.

Plus, you might also get antonyms, so I marked them with a caution icon (). You’ll need to download the current script if you use a version older than this date. For information about the original version, see “Build Your Own Dream Thesaurus Word Replacement Tool (AutoHotkey Web Application).”

I’ll write about the changes soon. I love this one! It’s better than ever!

April 26, 2018

A quick tip testing for Internet availability.

Plus, you’ll love this one. I stumbled upon a way to create a Windows shortcut for virtually any of the Windows utilities!

April 23, 2018

Create a GoTo loop to ensure Web data download.

April 18, 2018

In this latest blog, I start building a legal lexicon with a data file composed of the Latin terms (first in a series). Next time, I plan to temporarily segue into demonstrating a couple of techniques for making Web data-driven scripts more reliable in the SynonymLookup.ahk script discussed last time. Then, back to the Legalese data-driven scripts.

April 11, 2018

Make yourself look smarter than you really are!

If you ever post anything or send e-mail, you’re going to love this short script! I’ve already added it to my primary AutoHotkey file. Instantly insert synonyms for stale words into any text editing field.

Build Your Own Dream Thesaurus Word Replacement Tool (AutoHotkey Web Application)

March 23, 2018

If you use many GUI pop-up windows, you’re in for a treat with this hidden secret: “Use BoundFunc Object [Func.Bind()] to Pass GUI Control Data (An AutoHotkey GUI Revelation)“

I wish the title were more exciting, but I chose accuracy over hype.

March 20, 2018

Write less code with database-driven scripts.

March 15, 2018

Getting ready for the AutoHotkey Reference app: Building a Lookup Table with an INI File (AutoHotkey Reference Tip).

March 14, 2018

*          *          *

From Michael Todd,

“Jack, my newest app, Relevant Apps, allows users to stick Notes to Web pages, folders, and documents. Users can change fonts, window size/position, and color for each Note. The program, if run from a network share, runs in Network mode so users can share Notes with each other. In network mode, they can still change font and color but the windows always revert back to the upper right corner of the window they are attached to. Users can actually run a local copy alongside the network copy with different hotkeys as well.”

“Appreciate all your AHK blogs.”

“Relevant Notes – Another tool for tracking work in progress | Michael’s Tech Notes – Blog“

March 9, 2018

Make swapping characters easy with one of my favorite AutoHotkey tricks.

March 6, 2018

I’ve started work on a new AutoHotkey Quick Reference script which accesses both V1.1 and V2.0 documentation. The tips apply to any script which accesses Web pages. I’ll add a little to the script with each blog.

February 27, 2018

Just Released! Jack’s New Beginner’s Guide to AutoHotkey.

February 26, 2018

If the AutoHotkey Online Documentation appears corrupted, you may need to do this.

February 22, 2018

If you find a parallel function available in AutoHotkey V1.1, use it now. “Preparing for AutoHotkey Version 2.0 (Even If You Don’t Need It)“

February 15, 2018

Here’s a trick for looking inside variables, “A Quick Tip for Matching Something Inside a Variable (AutoHotkey Tip).”

February 8, 2018

Converting from AutoHotkey V1.1 to V2.0 gets a little more complicated when dealing with V1.1 GUI gLabels.

February 3, 2018

Converting V1.1 GUI options which include %var% text replacements to V2.0 can get a little tricky. Fix it with concatenated string expressions.

January 29, 2018

In addition to a great deal, see the other benefits that come with an AutoHotkey Library Bundle:

• Free Updates and New Editions
• Lifetime Downloads and Updates
• Discounts on New Books
• Free Major Rewrites for the Upcoming AutoHotkey Version 2.0
• Exclusive Books Not Available Elsewhere
• No Digital Copy Protection
• Reader Support

January 26, 2018

Using Regular Expressions (RegEx) to convert from AutoHotkey V1.1 to the alpha release syntax of V2.0.

January 23, 2018

I’ve converted an AutoHotkey V1.1 MonthCal control to the alpha release syntax of V2.0.

January 17, 2018

Changing commands into functions in the AutoHotkey V1.1 to V2.0 conversion.

January 11, 2018

Run AutoHotkey V1.1 and the alpha version of V2.0 simultaneously: “How to Fool Around with the New AutoHotkey Version 2.0“

January 8, 2018

We see AutoHotkey V2.0 coming—but when?

January 2, 2018

First of the year! Spice up your AutoHotkey System Tray icon with the Menu command.

December 13, 2017

I checked out the WinMenuSelectItem command.

December 7, 2017

If you forgot about this one, take a look at the Main Window for debugging AutoHotkey scripts!

November 28, 2017

Didn’t want to know that much? We now offer two more AutoHotkey book bundles: one for beginners and one for intermediate level users.

November 27, 2017

Think you can’t alter Hotstrings on-the-fly? Think again! Using the Raw Option—Plus a Secret Hotstring Trick (AutoHotkey Tip) includes a trick for pasting the Windows Clipboard contents into any AutoHotkey Hotstring.

November 16, 2017

Turn the AutoHotkey icon in the Windows Systems Tray into a hot-button.

November 15, 2017

I’ve been in contact with Michael Todd for quite a while. He’s built an interesting library of mostly AutoHotkey applications. I keep meaning to review them, but other events seem to take over. Here for your perusal, I offer “Michael’s Tech Notes – Blog.” Let me know what you think.

November 15, 2017

From Joe Glines:

Our webinar next Tuesday November 21st from 4-6 EST is on: Working with multiple scripts/files

In this webinar we plan to cover:

1. Breaking out scripts into separate files / functions
   • Using #include
   • Lib folder 📂
2. Sharing data between scripts via:
   • Passing via command parameters
   • COM object
   • OnMessage 💬
3. Consolidating scripts from multiple files into one

If you would like to attend, please register for AHK webinars. Even if you cannot attend, if you register we’ll send links to recordings and resources shared.

November 10, 2017

I’ve just published my latest book, Beginning Tips for Writing AutoHotkey Script, which endeavors to clear up some of the mystery surrounding the way AutoHotkey works. You’ll find grasping how AutoHotkey processes AHK scripts a tremendous help. Quite a bit of the confusion encountered by novice AutoHotkey scriptwriters occurs through misunderstandings about the manner in which everything (life, the universe, and AutoHotkey scripts) fits together. I wrote the book with that muddiness in mind.

I’ve included both some of my earlier blogs on the topic, as well as, more recent ones—melding them into a gestalt whole for the book. As usual, the light turned on for me a number of times during the exploration. (The book includes “best practices” for writing script which you can easily integrate with other scripts while continuing to act as standalone apps.) Plus, I’ve included the book in the AutoHotkey Library deal along with Why AutoHotkey?

November 3, 2017

AutoHotkey uses a special loop (For Key [, Value] in Expression) for associative arrays.

October 24, 2017

Sometimes you can solve a multitude of problems with associative arrays.

October 20, 2017

Locate data for the InstantHotkey.ahk script with a Loop.

October 17, 2017

Connecting data with two-deep variables.

October 13, 2017

Create Multiple GUI Pop-Ups in a Single Script (AutoHotkey Scripting)

Next, saving data with two-deep variables.

October 10, 2017

A demonstration of How to Write Easy-Merge AutoHotkey Scripts (Technique Example).

Coming soon!

• How to create and use multiple GUI (Graphical User Interface) pop-ups on-the-fly in the same script.
• Saving data with two-deep variables.
• Using associative arrays (MyArray[]) for tracking data.

Follow Jack’s AutoHotkey Blog and receive notifications of new posts by e-mail. (E-mail addresses never used for marketing.) Click follow button in the sidebar or at the end of any blog. (Maybe not this blog because it’s way too long to reach the end.)

October 4, 2017

If you run lots of AutoHotkey scripts at the same time, you’ll like “Encapsulate AutoHotkey Code for Multi-Script Integration and Portability (Scripting Techniques).”

September 29, 2017

Using Unique Icons for Specific Windows Shortcuts (AutoHotkey Menu Tip)

September 28, 2017

Add Windows Tools (God Mode) to your QuickLinks menu.

September 26, 2017

I just posted the new version of QuickLinks with all the good stuff I’ve been talking about.

September 24, 2017

Finding Windows Icons for AutoHotkey Menus (Quick Tip)

September 22, 2017

Spice Up AutoHotkey Menus with Icons (AutoHotkey Tip)

September 1, 2017

Sometimes it doesn’t matter where you put things in an AutoHotkey script. Sometimes it does, “How AutoHotkey Reads Scripts (AutoHotkey Script Structure).”

August 25, 2017

Quickly add program and documents shortcuts to your QuickLinks app using QuickLinks.

August 18, 2017

Let’s eliminate Hotkeys entirely with the QuickLinks script.

August 3, 2017

Want a script which sets up any Windows program or script for auto-load at Windows startup? Try this technique found in EitherMouse.ahk.

July 17, 2017

Get the e-book Why AutoHotkey? Free at Amazon!

July 7, 2017

Check out the AutoHotkey app EitherMouse for lefties and/or multiple mice.

June 28, 2017

Quick Fix for Inserting Color Data into Windows Paint (AutoHotkey Tip)

June 23, 2017

New AutoHotkey app for picking colors: Coloretta Viva.

June 16, 2017

More book corrections.

Updated: June 8, 2017

Blocking Mouse Action (AutoHotkey BlockInput Tip)

June 2, 2017

Working on a new book.

May 30, 2017

Increase your reading speed with an AutoHotkey Speed Reading script.

Updated: May 27, 2017

The latest blog updates the Always_on_Top.ahk script to display the new status of the window. (I always get lost.)

May 21, 2017

I recently started working on my next book—which looks like my biggest one yet. It includes many AutoHotkey tips no longer readily available on the Web (ever since I took down the ComputorEdge Magazine Web server a couple of years ago).

As I was digging through the material, I realized that I had reviewed numerous AutoHotkey apps which compete in quality with any commercially developed software packages. I’ve decided that rather than updating those reviews and posting them here, I would repurpose the ComputorEdge Software Showcase site for the best of the best AutoHotkey apps—at least in my opinion. Rather than demonstrating the free scripts as learning tools, I emphasize their usefulness and how they work. (If you want to dig into the code, that’s up to you.) These apps represent tools which anyone can use—even if they don’t use AutoHotkey.

My first peek at useful AutoHotkey apps highlights TypingAid which adds autocompletion pop-up lists to any editing window.

Updated: May 17, 2017

A simple use of Label name behavior to reset Hotkeys.

Updated: May 12, 2017

This one might give you a better idea of when to use what:

Understanding AutoHotkey %Var% Variable Text Replacement (AutoHotkey Tip)

*          *          *

May 12, 2017, From Joe Glines:

Hi Jack,

As a fellow AutoHotkey enthusiast, I wanted to let you know we have free monthly webinars where we cover various ways to use AutoHotkey to save time.

The next AutoHotkey webinar is next Tuesday, May 16^th and we are going to be covering one of my favorite topics: Web Scraping. Here’s a high-level look at what we are going to review:

• Main differences between Web services / API call and Web scraping
• The DOM (Document Object Model)
• Main JavaScript Methods & Properties for Web scraping
• Build code:
  1. Log into website
  2. Extract all links on page
  3. Requests from Audience
• Additional resources & links for Web Scraping
• Q&A / Troubleshooting

You can use this link to sign up for the webinars which are every third Tuesday of the month from 4-6 EST. The first hour we cover the topic & the second hour we open it up to Q&A and develop code.

Updated: May 8, 2017

One more BlockInput command issue needing resolution.

Updated: May 4, 2017

If you plan to use the AutoHotkey BlockInput command, you want to read “Stop Accidental Deletions with the BlockInput Command (AutoHotkey Tip—Part One).”

Updated: April 28, 2017

The free AutoHotkey Tricks book can be found at Amazon.com, Apple iBooks and Barnes and Noble Nook.

I’ve completed the update of A Beginner’s Guide to Using Regular Expressions in AutoHotkey. Check here for how to update your copy.

Updated: April 26, 2017

I’ve completed the updates of Digging Deeper into AutoHotkey and AutoHotkey Applications. Check here for how to update your copies.

Updated: April 21, 2017

The e-book A beginner’s Guide to AutoHotkey has been updated to the new AutoHotkey script download links. Check here for how to update your copy.

Updated: April 19, 2017

The e-book Beginning AutoHotkey Hotstrings has been updated to the new AutoHotkey script download links. Check here for how to update your copy.

Updated: April 14, 2017

Running out of menu space? Try “Stuffing More into AutoHotkey Pop-up Menus (AutoHotkey Tip).”

Updated: April 12, 2017

I’ve just published a new book written to give people reasons why they should use AutoHotkey—ironcally titled Why AutoHotkey? Today I offer a one-day giveaway on Amazon. The book is exclusive on Amazon so don’t look for it at ComputorEdge E-Books. For more information on why Amazon see, “New “Why AutoHotkey?” Book Available Free on Amazon.” (Next free Why AutoHotkey? book giveaway, Monday, May 1, 2017.)

I know…the title isn’t actually ironic—maybe eponymous.

Updated: April 6, 2017

Almost by accident, I’ve written an AutoHotkey routine which acts as a universal print function for Windows Message Boxes.

Updated: April 1, 2017

Why AutoHotkey for Internet Trolls?

Updated: March 26, 2017

 This week I updated the CheeseburgerRecipe.ahk script to include both an Animal-Style Cheeseburger and a Jack Stuffed Cheeseburger Animal Style. I take advantage of the unique features of the GoTo command to create the third recipe from the first two.

Coming Saturday! “Why AutoHotkey for Internet Trolls?”

Updated: March 16, 2017

Just Published! Why AutoHotkey for Teachers and Educators?

Updated: March 10, 2017

Just Published! Printing with AutoHotkey Made Simple (AutoHotkey Tip)

Updated: March 3, 2017

Once you understand how AutoHotkey Labels work, you’ll find new ways to use little-known tricks. This week, “Understanding Label Names and Subroutines (Beginning AutoHotkey Tip)“

Updated: February 27, 2017

 I put together a simple, but fun, little script for “Jack Stuffed Cheeseburgers.” It comes from this week’s blog “Why AutoHotkey for Chefs and Dieticians?” You can find the entire series on the “Why AutoHotkey?” page.

Updated: February 21, 2017

See how to “Change Script Features on the Fly with the Windows System Tray Icon Context Menu (AutoHotkey Tip).”

Updated: February 17, 2017

The latest in the “Why AutoHotkey?” series “Why AutoHotkey for Grandparents?“

Updated: February 10, 2017

Added a new page to make finding random AutoHotkey tips easier. Check out the link to “A Motley Assortment of AutoHotkey Tips and Tricks” page in the menu bar above.

Updated: February 7, 2017

If you work with GUI Edit fields and copy data from other sources, you’re going to love this use of the Control, EditPaste command.

Updated: February 1, 2017

Just finished “Why AutoHotkey for Students?“—a particularly long one. If worthy, send a link to your favorite student(s).

I discovered the Control, EditPaste command which I probably should have been using all along. Plus, I found a place where it’s important to use the BlockInput command. (Update February 17, 2017: The BlockInput command has many more complications than I suspected. Just putting it into a script is unlikely to work—but more on that sometime in the future.) My next blog addresses my lessons learned with Control, EditPaste and its limitations.

Updated: January 23, 2017

Window Message Boxes created with the AutoHotkey MsgBox command get extensive use in most scripts. This week’s blog talks about how to test the limits of the familiar control. Little by little, the script based upon the hidden index found in the AutoHotkey Web site, AutoHotkeyQuickRef.ahk,  grows in usefulness.

Updated: January 17, 2017

Joe Glines and Jackie Sztuk offer their next live AutoHotkey webinar on AutoHotkey today at 4:00 pm (EDT). You’ll find that you can now register for future webinars through July 17, 2018.

Updated: January 16, 2017

My guess is that most poets use pencil and paper. It seems more authentic. However, just in case some use Windows computers, I’ve put together “Why AutoHotkey for Poets?“

Updated: January 9, 2017

Most engineers and scientist either already know about AutoHotkey or they should be told!

Update: January 3, 2017

Surprisingly artists and graphic designers may have some of the best reasons for using AutoHotkey. This week I offer a few ideas.

Update: December 17, 2016

The problem with the unforeseen is that it’s unforeseeable. That’s why I try to keep an open mind when I write an AutoHotkey script.

I’m a big believer in goals—not so much individual objectives. An objective isn’t much good if it turns out that it wasn’t where you really wanted to go. Goals you can hold in your brain pan to test your results each step of the way.

In any case, don’t be too hard on yourself if you need to make a major change in direction. This week I make some revisions to the AutoHotkeyQuickRef.ahk script which should ultimately make it a much more useful tool.

Update: December 16, 2016

Joe Glines and Jackie Sztuk offer their next live AutoHotkey webinar on AutoHotkey Webinar December 20, 2016, at 4:00 pm (EDT).

Updated: December 5, 2016

In this week’s blog, we take up Ryan’s RegEx Tester again to extract data from a Web page for insertion into an INI file as key=value pairs.

Updated: November 28, 2016

Getting back to the AutoHotkeyQuickRef.ahk script which uses the hidden index in the AutoHotkey.com site, I highlight a technique which sets up an INI file for dealing with letter case-sensitivity problems—although it has other advantages.

Updated: November 21, 2016

The Fourth Edition of the Free E-Book AutoHotkey Tricks is now available for download at the ComputorEdge Free Book Site. This edition includes the “Table and Contents” and “Index” from the new AutoHotkey Hotkeys book.

Updated: November 16, 2016

You can now find the new AutoHotkey Hotkeys e-book at ComputorEdge E-Books. Plus, I’ve put together an AutoHotkey Library Mega Bundle which includes all seven e-books in all three formats (EPUB for most reading devices and computers, MOBI for Amazon Kindle, and PDF for printing or almost anything else) at a reduced price.

Updated: November 12, 2016

I now introduce the “blah, blah, blah” RegEx to remove the extraneous garbage from Web page HTML code (or any other text document). Don’t forget about the free webinar coming up next week.

Updated November 4, 2016:

Now that the AutoHotkey.com hidden index is back, I’ve started on a tool to take advantage of it.

Updated November 1, 2016:

Rumors of the demise of the secret indexing features in the AutoHotkey.com site (mostly spread by me) were greatly exaggerated. While working on a blog which changes direction for scripting an AutoHotkey Quick Reference, I checked the old capability only to find that it’s back! Now, I’m not sure what to do—stick with the new direction or go back to the old. Maybe both.

Updated: October 30, 2016

Pretty busy this week. I’m working on the new AutoHotkey Hotkey book. I initially thought I was writing a beginning Hotkey book, but I now realize that it’s much more than that. While the book builds from a beginning level, it includes numerous important AutoHotkey tips, tricks, techniques, and best practices valuable to any AutoHotkey user. Who knew? The book should be available in a week or two.

Last week’s blog turned out to be a bust.  (November 1, 2016—or maybe not.) The world has changed and I must deal with it. I now plan a series of blogs on how to steal Web site data for personal use. I’ll use AutoHotkey.com as the test site while building AutoHotkey reference tools using—you guessed it—AutoHotkey scripts.

This time I wrote a short piece on what just occurred and the problem with using Web pages in AutoHotkey scripts.

Updated: October 26, 2016

Sorry about last week. Apparently, the phenomenon I discovered about the AutoHotkey site has gone fishing (disappeared). Must be an act of nature.

Not sure why this has happened, but it has me thinking about alternative ways to use the reference site in AutoHotkey scripts. Hmm…

I’m a little disappointed. I was expecting pie.

Updated: October 20, 2016

Maybe you already know this one, but I recently discovered an interesting fact about the AutoHotkey.com Web site. It’s important information for any AutoHotkey user. I’ve never seen it documented before, but I may have just missed it. You’re going to like this one!

Update: October 14, 2016

This week’s blog looks at a script which automatically opens a Web thesaurus and searches for a previously highlighted word. The short blog I wrote about Visual Thesaurus for ComputorEdge Software Showcase sparked this idea.

In the process of working on this one, more inspirations sprang forth for making AutoHotkey scripting easier through the online reference site. Plus, I stumbled upon a secret feature of AutoHotkey.com. (It’s only a secret because it isn’t well publicized.) I’ll address those epiphanies in coming weeks.

Update: October 13, 2016

Joe Glines and Jackie Sztuk offer their next live AutoHotkey webinar on October 18 at 4:00pm (EDT).

Updated: October 7, 2016

This week I discuss a common AutoHotkey problem with System Tray icon menus.

Plus, I took a close look at Nutcache Project Management in the ComputorEdge Software Showcase. If you manage collaborative tasks or merely need to bid jobs or bill clients, then Nutcache offers a powerful, yet free, system.

Updated: September 29, 2016

If you work with both Windows and Linux, then you may want to see a version of AutoHotkey available for the Unix-like operating systems. The pickings are pretty slim as I discuss this time in “AutoHotkey and Linux.”

Plus, if you want to pack your high-tech résumé, check out “Build Your Career by Learning Linux” in the ComputorEdge Software Showcase.

Updated: September 22, 2016

I recently started a new blog called ComputorEdge Software Showcase where I write about partner software products. That means I’ve found their program or service in the ShareASale affiliate program useful and signed up to help market the software through ComputorEdge sites—just as other affiliates market my AutoHotkey books.

In my first post, I write about Grammarly proofreading and grammar checking software. That prompted me to take a closer look with this week’s blog at the GooglePhraseFix AutoHotkey script which provides a clever way to analyze potential grammar problems.

Updated: September 17, 2016

Joe Glines and Jackie Sztuk offer a new live AutoHotkey webinar on September 20 at 4:00pm (EDT).

Updated: September 14, 2016

Join the ComputorEdge E-Books affiliate sales program and earn extra income on Jack’s AutoHotkey books.

*          *          *

Updated: September 13, 2016

I’ve signed up with the ShareASale affiliate marketing program to share earnings on AutoHotkey book sales with other Web site owners. For more information, check out this week’s blog.

Updated: September 5, 2016

On Labor Day, it’s only appropriate that I announce that I’m in the process of launching a new marketing program which is likely to cause me a great deal more labor. Specifically, the program markets AutoHotkey to general Windows users. It has taken years to put the pieces in place and it’s a bit of a financial risk, but the time is right.

Rather than the passive approach I’ve taken in the past, I plan to get more aggressive by signing up as a merchant with a third-party affiliate network. I have no expectation that I will see instant results. It will take work to build my network of affiliates. I may get a little behind in AutoHotkey tips and tricks specific blogs (and I have another book to put together), but if things go as I envision, it will benefit the entire AutoHotkey community.

Updated: August 26, 2016

I’ve worked with a number of different programming languages—although I don’t consider myself a professional programmer—and I’ve come to realize that for anyone who wants to learn about programming, there is no better language than AutoHotkey.

For that matter, if someone does not want to learn how to program, but wants to do more with their Windows computer, AutoHotkey is still the best software for the job.
Updated: August 21, 2016

Peeking Inside the Clipboard, Part 2. A script which picks the right app for the job.

Updated: August 13, 2016
Take a peek at what’s inside your Windows Clipboard.

*          *          *

New to AutoHotkey? See “Introduction to AutoHotkey: A Review and Guide for Beginners.”

*          *          *

Updated: August 4, 2016

Make strange window shapes with WinSet, Region.

Updated: July 28, 2016

How to make most of a window invisible to both the eye and mouse-clicks with WinSet, TransColor.

Updated: July 22, 2016

This week we look at making a window mouse-click transparent with Extended Window Styles and the WinSet command.

Updated: July 13, 2016

This week we add X-ray vision (make a window transparent) to our always-on-top windows.

Note: It appears that our Dropbox download page is on the fritz again. Use our “Free AutoHotkey Scripts and Apps for Learning Script Writing and Generating Ideas” page for all the downloads. You’ll find it easier and more informative.
Updated: July 8, 2016

As a beginner tip, I’ve highlighted AutoHotkey always-on-top techniques. It’s simple and uses the WinSet command. After taking a closer look at the WinSet window manipulation tools, I’ve decided to dig deeper in upcoming blogs.

Updated: June 29, 2016

Get your free download of the e-book AutoHotkey Tricks You Ought to Do with Windows. The new Third Edition includes a number of useful AutoHotkey techniques, plus the Table of Contents and the Indexes from the other five e-books. Pick it up as an easy download in any of the three formats: EPUB, MOBI, and PDF.

Updated: June 23, 2016

Three useful AutoHotkey techniques in the current blog:

• Isolating features by using expressions in the #If directive.
• Adding informational pop-up windows with the Tooltip command
• Turning quick release Hotkeys on and off with the Hotkey command

Updated: June 16, 2016

The two most recent blogs discuss AutoHotkey techniques I used to update Web links on the “Free AutoHotkey Scripts and Apps for Learning Script Writing and Generating Ideas” page. The first simple technique uses the InstantHotkey.ahk script to create a text insertion Hotkey thereby cutting the Windows Clipboard action in half. The second more complex, yet more powerful method uses a Regular Expression (RegEx) to create multiple HTML links simultaneously.

Updated: June 3, 2016

The Dropbox download site is back up, but I’m changing direction. I decided to turn the ComputorEdge “Free AutoHotkey Scripts and Apps for Learning Script Writing and Generating Ideas” page into the main script download page. It will just be easier for everyone—as discussed in this blog.

(I know…you’re wondering what took me so long?)

May 27, 2016 Download Site Update

Apparently, Dropbox is getting too much traffic on the AutoHotkey download page and we’ve been cutoff—at least temporarily. I’ve moved all of the download files to ComputorEdge.com and am currently in the process of updating links. I guess that as traffic dies down Dropbox will start working again, but I’ll continue using http://www.computoredge.com/AutoHotkey/Downloads/ as the main site for obtaining free example scripts.

So much for using Dropbox to offer downloads.

Descriptions for all but the most recent scripts can be found at our “Free AutoHotkey Scripts and Apps for Learning Script Writing and Generating Ideas” page.

Updated: May 17, 2016
This week’s example of using forced expressions in AutoHotkey commands was a real eye opener for me. It’s like swinging a door open to a new level of AutoHotkey possibilities—even though it was there all along. I just didn’t see it.

Updated: May 13, 2016

Continuing with the MousePrecise.ahk script from last time, we turn the numeric keypad into a compass rose of mouse cursor micro movement Hotkeys. Plus, in this blog, we implement a feature for temporarily adding the Hotkeys to any window.

I’m excited about next time when I discuss forced expressions and the ternary operator. These techniques offer cool tricks which every AutoHotkey script writer will want for expanding the power and flexibility of most AutoHotkey commands. (Does that sound too nerdy?)

Updated: May 5, 2016

I always prefer it when I can include an AutoHotkey script which offers immediate practical application. That’s the case this week with the short series of blogs I started about creating Hotkeys for accurately positioning the mouse cursor. This little script gives me the opportunity to explore script writing while including, tips, tricks, and best practices. But even more importantly, the AutoHotkey script is a graphics editing enhancement which can be added to any Windows program. It’s already made my life a little easier.

Updated: April 29, 2016
This time I offer guidelines for when to use Virtual Keys and Scan Codes in your AutoHotkey scripts.

Updated: April 20, 2016

In this blog I took a look at using AutoHotkey for children’s educational software. There’s plenty of room for creativity.

Updated: April 14, 2016

Using Scan Codes and Virtual Key Codes in Hotkeys is more an intermediate level topic, rather than beginning, but I felt it was worth the time to clear up any confusion between the two and how they can be used. These codes are certainly useful for building specific types of Hotkeys, although, you should probably attempt to solve any problems first with the regular Hotkey approaches.

Updated: April 7, 2016

In this week’s blog, a left mouse click is added to a Hotkey combination.

Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

Joe Glines and an associate have hired a research company to do an AutoHotkey survey. As an incentive, they are offering a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift certificate for anyone submitting the survey by April 30. Personally, I’m all for anything that helps more people become addicted to AutoHotkey.

You can take the survey at: http://sgiz.mobi/s3/535955cb44c3

I did. Now I’m just waiting for the Amazon gift card drawing.

Updated: March 31, 2016

In this week’s blog, it’s worth noting that an ErrorLevel variable trick allows different Hotkey action for different circumstances. ErrorLevel is not just for trapping errors.

Updated: March 23, 2016
If you’re using the Windows Clipboard in some of your AutoHotkey routines, then you may want to review this week’s beginning Clipboard tricks for making your code more robust.

Updated: March 11, 2016

Another Reason Why You Should Use AutoHotkey!

In a recent blog, I addressed one of the more important motives for learning and using AutoHotkey. You can add consistency and standardization to all of your Windows program shortcuts. Rather than learning a multitude of different key combinations for each Windows application, combine those you need most into one set of consistent Hotkey shortcuts. They will work in your word processing software, your e-mail program, text editors, editing fields in any of the Web browsers, and many more apps.

Or, you can just keep a list of all your important keystrokes for each different application on a piece of paper next to the computer.

Update: March 8, 2016

I was especially impressed with the example script from the AutoHotkey site which turns the mouse wheel into instant volume control when hovering over the Windows Taskbar. (It’s incredibly short.) I used it in this week’s blog as an example for comparing the #If expression directive and the Hotkey, If (expression) command and their interdependence. I suggest a couple of different ways that this approach can be used, but it’s not limited to those few ideas.

I’m constantly amazed at how many new possibilities are sparked by merely looking at one simple AutoHotkey example.

Updated: February 28, 2016

This week I acquainted myself with the GroupAdd AutoHotkey command. It never ceases to amaze me how many important nuances can be found in this scripting language. Not only is the GroupAdd command excellent for simplifying context-sensitive Hotkeys, but it’s also a great tool for on-the-fly window manipulation. I can also see how a set of useful Hotstrings—using a script similar to the one I offer at the end of the blog— can be temporarily activated at any time for only one or two program windows. While it isn’t a tool for every script, GroupAdd is certainly a command worth adding to every AutoHotkey user’s toolbox.

Updated: February 14, 2016

I’ve started an in-depth look at Hotkeys. I learned so much during my trip with AutoHotkey Hotstrings that I decided to take a similar journey with Hotkeys. I’m not sure what I’ll uncover, but the chronicals should be useful to beginning AutoHotkey script writers. There may even be some useful insights for others with slightly more experience.

The blogs can be found by clicking “Beginning AutoHotkey Hotkey Techniques” in the “AutoHotkey Topics and Series” menu above.

Updated: January 29, 2016

As a convenience for people who don’t want to dig through the Web looking for the various pieces, I have now published the e-book Beginning AutoHotkey Hotstrings which is available on the ComputorEdge E-Books site and  through Amazon. Regardless of whether you’re interested in the book or not, it’s worth your time to peruse some of the blogs linked at “Beginning AutoHotkey Hotstring Techniques” found under the “AutoHotkey Topics and Series” tab in the top menu bar. They just might inspire your next AutoHotkey script.

Updated: January 9, 2016

It takes me a little while, but there is now a link at the top right (under the Search field) that allows you to Follow this AutoHotkey blog. Whenever I publish a new blog, followers will receive an e-mail. If you add yourself to the list, it will save you from later having to come back to see if there’s anything new. Instead you will receive an annoying e-mail. (Or so I’ve been told.)

I’ve also added new links to the top menu bar which will make it easier to find blogs which are part of a series. Check out the “AutoHotkey Topics and Series” dropdown menu. I’ll be adding more to this menu as I get this blog better organized. I hope to make it easier for people to find things.

Updated: January 1, 2016

There are a number of mostly beginner AutoHotkey pages available through ComputorEdge.com. I will continue to add to those pages and update them as things changes. One of the most important is “Free AutoHotkey Scripts and Apps for Learning Script Writing and Generating Ideas.” This is a collection of free AutoHotkey scripts which I’ve made available to any AutoHotkey users. The scripts can be downloaded at the ComputorEdge download site. I wrote most of these short script and have included descriptions and how-to’s in my AutoHotkey e-books which are available at both ComputorEdge E-Books and Amazon. (Get the Spanish language version of A Beginner’s Guide to AutoHotkey—Guía básica de AutoHotkey—from Amazon.)

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See how to get the 201 page* e-book AutoHotkey Tricks FREE! (*According Amazon calculations)

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Work in Progress

I’m writing articles on a series of beginner AutoHotKey topics which when grouped together treat one AutoHotkey subject. Since they are not necessarily written (nor appear) in order in this blog, I’ve placed links below in the order that they should be read (if at all). Since this blog is pinned to the top it will always appear first, I will change the Published date seen above whenever I’ve added new AutoHotKey content. Of course, the latest blog should always appear below this one or is second in the Recent Posts list at the right (just after this one).

Using AutoHotkey HotStrings for AutoCorrect and Other Cool Tricks

HotString replacement and text expansion is one of the most common ways that AutoHotkey is used. This series explores ways to add power to your AutoCorrect script and add other useful features.

Visit the “Beginning AutoHotkey Hotstring Techniques” page for a list of the blogs included in this series.

Beginner’s Guide to How AutoHotkey Scripts Work

This topic may be a bit esoteric , but it is a tremendous help if you understand how AutoHotkey processes AHK script files. Quite a bit of the confusion encountered by novice AutoHotkey script writers is due to misunderstandings about how everything fits together. The following blogs were written with that potential confusion in mind. If none of this helps, then please let me know and I will try to clear things up.

Part 1: Beginning Tips for Writing AutoHotkey Scripts (Modular Independence of HotStrings)

Part 2: Beginning Tips for Writing AutoHotkey Scripts (Modular Independence of HotKeys)

Part 3: Beginning Tips for Writing AutoHotkey Scripts (Building Blocks Using Labels Containing Subroutines)

Part 4: Beginning Tips for Writing AutoHotkey Scripts (Methods for Running Label Subroutines)

Part 5: Beginning Tips for Writing AutoHotkey Scripts (Functions as Building Blocks)

This subject is not yet complete.