[Juho's AutoHotkey Tutorial #2 Hotkeys] Part 2 - Installkeybdhook and Keyhistory

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of using the #InstallKeybdHook and KeyHistory commands in AutoHotkey, enabling you to create hotkeys with non-ordinary keys such as the backtick (`) and colon (;). Understanding these commands will enhance your scripting capabilities and improve your productivity with custom keyboard shortcuts.

Step 1: Install AutoHotkey

• If you haven't already, download and install AutoHotkey from the official website.
• Follow the installation prompts to complete the setup.

Step 2: Enable Keyboard Hook

• Open your AutoHotkey script or create a new one.
• At the beginning of your script, add the following line to enable the keyboard hook:

  #InstallKeybdHook
  

• This command allows AutoHotkey to recognize and respond to all keyboard inputs, including non-standard keys.

Step 3: Use KeyHistory to Monitor Key Presses

• To see which keys are being recognized, you can use the KeyHistory command.
• Add the following line in your script where you want to check the key history:

  KeyHistory
  

• Run your script, and then press the desired keys. The KeyHistory window will show you the keys pressed, which is especially useful for identifying the correct key codes for your hotkeys.

Step 4: Create Hotkeys Using Non-Ordinary Keys

• With the keyboard hook installed, you can now set up hotkeys using non-standard keys:
  • For example, to use the backtick (`) as a hotkey, add the following code:

    `:: ; This represents the backtick key
    MsgBox, You pressed the backtick key!
    return
    

  • Similarly, for the colon (;) key, use:

    ;:: ; This represents the colon key
    MsgBox, You pressed the colon key!
    return
    

• Save your script and run it to test the hotkeys.

Step 5: Test Your Hotkeys

• After saving changes to your script, right-click the script icon and select "Reload Script."
• Press the defined hotkeys (backtick or colon) to see if the corresponding message box appears.
• Ensure that the hotkeys function as expected.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should now be able to effectively use the #InstallKeybdHook and KeyHistory commands in AutoHotkey to create hotkeys with non-ordinary keys. This opens up new possibilities for automating tasks and boosting your efficiency. For further learning, consider exploring additional AutoHotkey tutorials and examples to expand your skills.