Windows Programing: AutoHotkey Key Notations

Xah Lee, 2010-04-28, …, 2012-03-26

This page is a complete list of key notations for AutoHotkey. See also: AutoHotkey Basics ◇ AutoHotkey Example Scripts.

Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win Logo Keys

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

Examples:

!n::Run Notepad ; this means Alt+n
^n::Run Notepad ; this means Ctrl+n
+n::Run Notepad ; this means Shift+n
#n::Run Notepad ; this means the Win+n

To have a combination of modifier keys, just combine them together, like this:

F6::Run Notepad  ; F6
^F6::Run Notepad ; Ctrl+F6
^!n::Run Notepad ; Ctrl+Alt+n

More Modifier Keys

Here's fully speltout variant syntax of the modifer keys. They are especially useful when you want to define a modifier key by itself, without combining other keys.

Notes:

• There is no generic Windows key because the OS does not support it.
• If your script define actions for ⇧ Shift, Alt, Control, they fire upon release of the key. To make them fire on press, put a tilde in front, like this: ~Alt. By contrast, a specific left or right hotkey such as LAlt:: fires when it is pressed down.

Combination Key Syntax

For simple modifier keys such as {Alt, Ctrl, ⇧ Shift, Win Logo}, the syntax for pressing them together is just combining the notation. Example:

F6::Run Notepad  ; F6
^F6::Run Notepad ; Ctrl+F6
^!n::Run Notepad ; Ctrl+Alt+n

Example of key combination on the right side:

RControl::Send ^!+9 ; set right Ctrl to Ctrl+Alt+Shift+9

Other modifier keys combination on the left side needs to use &. Example:

AppsKey & n::Run Notepad ;  MenuKey+n

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

Control & F11::Send ^t ; set Ctrl+F11 to Ctrl+t

AppsKey & e::Send (){Left} ; insert paren, move cursor in between
AppsKey & u::Send {{}{}}{Left} ; insert braces
AppsKey & o::Send []{Left}     ; insert square brackets

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

#NumpadAdd::Send {Volume_Up 5} ; increase sound level. Win+NumpadAdd
#NumpadSub::Send {Volume_Down 5} ; decrease sound level. Win+NumpadSub
#NumpadEnter::Run "C:\Windows\System32\SndVol.exe" ; NumpadEnter key

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

Key Syntax

Here's a complete list of other key's syntax.

F Keys

The syntax is F1, F2, F3… etc. Example:

F1::Run Notepad ; F1 key
^F1::Run Notepad ; Ctrl+F1

Space, Tab, Enter, Esc

Example:

Space::Run Notepad ; Space key
^Space::Run Notepad ; Ctrl+Space

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

Arrow Keys

Pause, PrtScn, ScrLk, Caps Lock

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

References

• Hotkeys (Mouse, Joystick and Keyboard Shortcuts) at autohotkey.com
• List of Keys, Mouse Buttons, and Joystick Controls at autohotkey.com