AutoHotkey Key Syntax

Syntax for Modifier Keys

Here's the basic syntax for modifier keys when used together with another key.

; example of modifier keys on left-hand-side

; Alt+n
!n::Run Notepad

; Ctrl+n
^n::Run Notepad

; Shift+n
+n::Run Notepad

; Win+n
#n::Run Notepad

Modifier Keys Full Syntax

these are useful when you want to define a modifier key by itself, without combining other keys.

Combine Modifier Keys

For simple modifier keys such as {Alt, Ctrl, Shift, ❖ Window}, the syntax for pressing them together is just combining the notation.

; F6
F6::Run Notepad

; Ctrl+F6
^F6::Run Notepad

; Ctrl+Alt+n
^!n::Run Notepad

Example of key combination on the right-hand-side:

; make right Ctrl do Ctrl+Alt+Shift+9
RControl::Send ^!+9

Other modifier keys combination on the left-hand-side needs to use ampersand.

; MenuKey+n
AppsKey & n::Run Notepad

Example of key combination/sequence on the left-hand-side or right-hand-side:

; make Ctrl+F11 do Ctrl+t
Control & F11::Send ^t

; switch to next window and hide current. Alt+Esc
LWin & NumpadMult::Send !{Esc}

; switch to previous window. Alt+Shift+Esc
LWin & NumpadDiv::Send !+{Esc}

; disable Win key behavior of popping up the Start Menu, but still allow Win+key combination.
~LWin Up::Return

Action on Press or Release

If your script defines actions for any of Shift, Alt, Ctrl, they fire upon release of the key.

To make them fire on press, put a tilde in front, like this: ~Alt.

A specific left or right hotkey such as LAlt:: fires when it is pressed down.

Function Keys

; F1 key
F1::Run Notepad

; Ctrl+F1
^F1::Run Notepad

Space, Tab, Enter, Escape

; Space key
Space::Run Notepad

; Ctrl+Space
^Space::Run Notepad

Home, End, Ins, Del, Page Up/Down

Arrow Keys

Pause, Print Screen, Screen Lock, Capslock

If you want Ctrl+Pause, use the syntax ^CtrlBreak.

Numberpad Keys

Keys When Number Lock is On

Keys When Number Lock is Off

Multimedia Special Keys

The following are syntax for special buttons on many of today's keyboards.

Mouse

Mouse Wheel