Automation Tools

ShortKeys Lite is an easy to use macro tool that allows you to instantly replace custom text commands with text macros of your choice. The macros can insert single words, URLs, multi-line text blocks or any other text based information. You can design custom macro keywords, that have a prefix or suffix to distinguish them from regular words. As soon as you type one of these commands, it will be replaced with the designated text. For example, you could configure the following: when you type the word "snapfiles", nothing happens, it's just a word that was typed, however if you set up a macro and then use "=snapfiles" (prefix is customizable), it could be replaced with "http://www.snapfiles.com" for example. In the same way, you could simply type "=mysig" and it would be replaced by your complete email signature. The Lite version can handle up to 35 of these macro commands for free.

AutoIt is a simple tool that can simulate key presses, mouse movements and window commands (maximize, minimize, wait for, etc.) in order to automate any windows based task (or even windowed DOS tasks). It was primarily designed to assist in automatically installing software that cannot be automatically installed by other means. This is most useful during a PC rollout where hundreds or thousands of client machines need to be automatically installed. However, AutoIt is not limited to software installation and can be used to automate many simple or complex windows tasks like executing programs,sending keystrokes and mouse clicks, text clipboard functions, registry functions and more.

HotKeyz is a shortcut utility with shortcut control for executing other files, launch them in a Normal, Minimized or Maximized State. It supports parameters, so you can pass them on to the selected executable. The shortcuts work with the WIN, CTRL, ALT, SHIFT modifier keys and most other keyboard keys. You can also enable or disable unwanted Hotkeys without deleting them from the Key List. Additional features include support for WinAmp controls, and setting of Windows state (e.g launch minimize, maximized). The program is easy to use . Later versions are now shareware.

AutoHotkey is a script driven automation utility that enables you to automate almost any task on your PC by running applications or documents and/or sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. The program supports many advanced functionalities that allow you to create complex with flow control, math commands, variables and expressions, file functions, message boxes and much more. You can even create custom data entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars. AutoHotkey does have an initial learning curve and requires you to learn a simple scripting language, however it includes very detailed documentation, as well as a Script Recorder, that can script simple task automatically by recording your mouse and keyword activities. Other features include support for AutoItv2 scripts, compile scripts to .EXE, keyboard remapping and more.

MacroMaker allows the user to build complex macro commands and keystroke/mouse recordings, that can be assigned to hotkeys or run on a schedule. The program enables you to simulate a series of keystrokes, execute built-in functions, pop up dialog boxes or play a previous recording with just a keystroke. In addition, MacroMaker can store textual content from the clipboard in internal buffers for later use. The program is easy to use and offers a graphical keyboard interface to select the input keys. It can be used to create simple shortcut keys as well as complex macro routines that perform multiple tasks, manipulate data and use logics like Wait, Repeat, Loop etc.

HotkeyP is a small but powerful macro and hotkey utility that enables you to create a wide range of macro commands and keyboard shortcuts that can perform common tasks such as opening files, running programs, empty the recycle bin, reboot your PC, start the screensaver and much more. It includes direct support for a wide range of system commands that allow you to manipulate windows (opacity, on top, hide etc.), adjust your speaker volume, view free hard drive space, open/eject your CD drive, power-off your monitor and more. Advanced users can also use macro commands to insert text, send keys and simulate mouse actions, and many of these commands can be combined with dynamic variables. You can also choose to make a hotkey available from the tray icon, allowing you quick access to it with your mouse. HotkeyP does not look like much, but it has a ton of features under the gray hood. Standalone program, no installation.

HAL is a scheduling tool for MS-Access developers. It lets you schedule database compacting, repairs and macro runs. It supports secure (password protected) databases and enables you to perform any of these operations without compromising your database security. HAL can run actions on a specific day each week or every day of the week. The program runs in the system tray. Supports Access 2000 and later.

HotKeys gives you fast and easy access to a lot of common elements through keyboard shortcuts. You can use it to define hotkeys to open web pages, launch programs, send keystrokes to other applications, exit Windows, log-off Windows or reboot your computer and more. Hotkeys works with nearly every key on your keyboard, including the Windows key. You can even instruct Hotkeys to execute multiple Hotkeys commands sequentially, making it the ideal tool for scripting tasks you have to perform often.

Tagkeys is a combination of keyboard macro utility, clipboard manager, data organizer and text insertion tool. It enables you to quickly insert frequently used text snippets, signatures and other types of information into any document. The commands can be executed by selecting them from the tag lists that hides along the side of your screen, or by using special keyboard commands (Tag Keys) that allow you to insert text without interrupting your typing. Other features include support for multiple tag sets, rich text insertion, and more. Tagkeys can be used freely, however an optional registration ($19.95) adds additional features like backup and sharing.

Karen`s Once-A-Day is an easy-to-use scheduling tool, that enables you to start a specific program, file or command-line whenever the computer starts for the first time of the day, or the first time a particular user logs on each day. You can have the program launch your browser with the daily news every morning, automatically open your email program, or perform any other tasks that you want to run on a daily (time independent) basis.

Ka Type In lets insert frequently used text snippets into emails, documents, web forms, or any other application. It provides a small dialog that hides along the side of your desktop and appears when you touch the edge of your screen with the mouse. Clicking on a snippet will automatically insert it into the currently active window. The program supports simple text snippets such as signatures, canned responses etc. as well as dynamic variables, allowing you to customize the text with a name or other details.

PC Inspector Task Manager allows you to automatically start programs at specific times or intervals or reboot/shutdown your computer. You can launch programs with optional command line parameters, execute recurring tasks on specific days of the week or launch them in specific intervals (minutes, hours, seconds). PC Inspector Task Manager also supports remote reboots. Runs as service. No documentation included.

On Time is a quick and easy to use application to manage alarms and certain events in Windows. Alarms can be set by the user and stored to later activate events at a specified time. On Time sits in the system tray and runs behind applications to let you continue on with more important tasks. Great for little reminders and other things.

Phantom is a powerful Windows automation scripting language. The Phantom interpreter runs standard ASCII Phantom scripts (syntax similar to C) to interact with Windows common controls. Virtually any number of common or repetitive tasks can be automated. It is also a useful tool for automated testing. The Phantom language has many features, including built-in functions, the ability to add functions and user-defined DLLs, flow control, and script error and log output. In order to use the automation features, you will have to learn the scripting language first in order to create your custom scripts. The download comes with everything including some sample scripts and full documentation.

HotKeyMan enables you to setup keyboard hotkeys for commonly used tasks like minimizing windows, opening documents and running applications. You can also send keystrokes to the active window and capture a snapshot of the desktop or active window and save it to JPG or BMP format.

NicholasSolutions HotKey is a hotkey utility for more advanced users. It comes pre-configured with various hotkey configurations to perform a variety of file management and windows tasks. However further customization is only possible via editing a config file and some basic scripting. With the default set of hotkeys, you can maximize/minimize windows, empty the recycle bin, create new files or folders, change the system volume, shutdown/restart your computer and more. You can also configure the program to launch web pages and other programs, which requires some config editing. The program is not suited for beginners, however technical users that prefer flexibility over convenience may want to give it a try.