A Beginner's Guide to AutoHotkey (PDF format for printing)

This version of A Beginner's Guide to AutoHotkey is in PDF format for printing on letter size paper and putting in a notebook for easy review and notetaking when away from your computer or another reading device. It contains all the same information as the other formats, except that it is set up for easy printing. This PDF file can also be read directly on most computers (the free Adobe Reader and other readers such as FoxIt Reader) and reading devices.

Jack's New Beginner's Guide to AutoHotkey—Absolutely the Best Free Windows Utility Software Ever! Add Power to Any Version of Windows! (Second Edition)

Second Edition now includes two new chapters on Windows program automation!

All New AutoHotkey Beginner's Guide Including V2.0 Sample Code! For Windows, AutoHotkey offers the most powerful, flexible, free Windows utility software available. Anyone can instantly add more of the functions that they want in all of their Windows programs, whether installed on their computer or while working on the Web. AutoHotkey has a universality not found in any other Windows utility--free or paid.

For more Beginner's Guide book details, see this Table of Contents and Book Index Web page!

This new book includes numerous tips, updates, and comments which give more insight into both AutoHotkey techniques and the state of the AutoHotkey language while still targeted at the beginner level. 

Chapter One: How to Become a Windows Computer AutoHotkey Superhero

“The best way to keep your job is to make yourself more valuable.”
Now there is another way to add to your computer superhero status by making Windows computers easier with AutoHotkey.

Chapter Two: Programming Is for Everyone
“Don't think you can program? Think again! Writing software scripts is not just for nerds.”
Many people avoid programming because it looks too mysterious and complicated. However, it's really not all that hard.

Chapter Three: Installing AutoHotkey and Writing Your First Script
“AutoHotkey, an often overlooked utility program, could become your best friend for your PC.”
Some people avoid AutoHotkey because it requires scripting. However, once you understand the possibilities there is plenty of incentive to learn a little coding.

Chapter Four: More Basic AutoHotkey Techniques
“Changing the case of text from upper to lower and back again.”
After introducing the free AutoHotkey utility program in the last chapter, Jack adds a few more techniques which can be used immediately by anyone with a Windows computer.

Chapter Five: Sharing AutoHotkey Scripts
“Compile your AutoHotkey scripts into an executable (EXE) file, plus restoring the original clipboard contents.”
There is no need to install the complete AutoHotkey program on every computer. All you need to do is compile your scripts for use on any Windows computer.

Chapter Six: Instant Search and Replace
“StringReplace to search and replace any text, anywhere, anytime using Loop and If.”
So far we've demonstrated straightforward text substitution and manipulation. Now it's time to do search and replace for multiple items using a Loop and If.

Chapter Seven: Cool Date Tricks with AutoHotkey
“Enter the current date into any Windows program automatically.”
AutoHotkey includes tools that make it easy to enter the time and/or date into your documents and files, including a cool pop-up calendar.

Chapter Eight: Powerful Screen Object Controls in AutoHotkey
“Using the Graphic User Interface (GUI) controls in AutoHotkey to build simple gadgets.”
The addition of screen objects to your scripts increases the number of ways that you can use AutoHotkey.

Chapter Nine: Automatically Resizing Windows with AutoHotkey and User-Defined Functions
“Write a user-defined function for resizing windows to exact dimensions on your desktop.”
AutoHotkey includes commands for manipulating the position and size of windows.

Chapter Ten: Make Any Window Always-on-Top Anywhere, Anytime, Plus More "If" Statements
“Using AutoHotkey to make a window always-on-top.”
Using AutoHotkey for always-on-top and using "If" conditionals to solve some window size and location problems.

Chapter Eleven: Opening Useful Hidden Windows Folders with AutoHotkey and Making a Help Pop-up
“An easier way to open hidden Windows folders, such as Startup...plus more AutoHotkey and an AutoHotkey help pop-up!”
Add this technique to an AutoHotkey script to make it even easier. Also, how to make a pop-up Help window in AutoHotkey.

Chapter Twelve: Cleaning up the Desktop
“A tip for organizing Windows Desktop clutter and more power with AutoHotkey Replace.”
Use AutoHotkey for e-mail addresses and adding "boilerplate."

Chapter Thirteen: Disabling Annoying Windows Hotkeys
“It's easy to Delete All when the Control key is next to the Shift key.”

Chapter Fourteen: AutoHotkey for Copying and Moving Files
“If copying files become tedious with a mouse, it may be time for AutoHotkey.

Chapter Fifteen: How to Cheat at Computer Games and Restarting with AutoHotkey Action Recorders
“Empower your avatar with AutoHotkey, plus automatic script creators for beginners.”

Chapter Sixteen: Common AutoHotkey Messages and Errors Encountered by the Novice
“A few issues every beginner should understand.”

Chapter Seventeen: Automate Any Program in Windows, Part I (New in Second Edition)
"Use AutoHotkey to Automate Your Favorite Windows Programs"

Chapter Eighteen: Automate Any Program in Windows: Part II (New in Second Edition)
"Find the Hidden Names of Program Controls to Automate Windows Applications"