The Art of the Bodge: How I Made The Emoji Keyboard

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore how Tom Scott created his unique emoji keyboard. This guide will take you through the process of using various tools and techniques, including AutoHotkey and LuaMacros, to build a custom keyboard that enhances your typing experience. Whether you're looking to create shortcuts or simply want a fun project, this tutorial is a great place to start.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, you need to download the necessary software:

1. AutoHotkey: A powerful scripting language for Windows that allows you to create keyboard shortcuts and automate tasks.

   • Download from AutoHotkey's official site.

2. LuaMacros: A macro program that can help you with keyboard remapping and automation tasks.

   • Download from LuaMacros official site.

3. Optional tools: Depending on your needs, you might want to explore additional software or libraries that can enhance your keyboard's functionality.

Step 2: Install and Set Up AutoHotkey

Once you have AutoHotkey downloaded, follow these steps to install and set it up:

1. Installation:

   • Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts to complete the setup.

2. Create a New Script:

   • Right-click on your desktop or in a folder, select New, and then choose AutoHotkey Script.
   • Name your script file (e.g., EmojiKeyboard.ahk).

3. Edit Your Script:

   • Right-click your new script file and select Edit Script to open it in a text editor.
   • You can start coding your keyboard shortcuts. For example, to create a shortcut that types a smiley emoji, you might use:

     ::smile::😊
     

Step 3: Install and Set Up LuaMacros

After setting up AutoHotkey, you'll want to install LuaMacros for more advanced keyboard customization:

1. Installation:

   • Run the LuaMacros installer and follow the installation instructions.

2. Create a Lua Script:

   • Navigate to the LuaMacros directory (usually found in your Program Files).
   • Create a new Lua script file (e.g., EmojiMacros.lua).

3. Edit Your Lua Script:

   • Open the script file in a text editor and define your macros. For instance:

     function on_key_press(key)
         if key == "F1" then
             send("😊")
         end
     end
     

Step 4: Testing Your Keyboard

Once you've set up your scripts:

1. Run Your Scripts:

   • Double-click on your AutoHotkey script to run it.
   • Start LuaMacros to activate your Lua scripts.

2. Test Your Shortcuts:

   • Open any text editor and try typing your shortcuts (like smile or pressing F1).
   • Ensure that the corresponding emojis appear as expected.

Step 5: Troubleshoot and Optimize

If you encounter issues, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Check Syntax: Ensure there are no typos in your scripts.
• Test in Different Applications: Some applications may not recognize shortcuts as expected. Test in multiple environments.
• Adjust Timing: If macros are triggering too quickly, you can add delay commands in your scripts.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you've created a functional emoji keyboard using AutoHotkey and LuaMacros. This project not only enhances your typing experience but also serves as a great introduction to scripting for automation. Customize further by adding more emojis or shortcuts based on your needs. Happy scripting!