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

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::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 &.

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

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

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

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

Space, Tab, Enter, Esc

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

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