automation - Record a macro of windows commands

26
2013-08
  • Antony

    Using Windows 7, is there an in-built or third-party method of recording windows commands and being able to play them back?

    As a very basic example of what I would like to be able to do, imagine having two desktop themes that you like to alternate between. The Windows commands would be something like

    • Open personalisation applet
    • select second theme
    • ok

    (I'm calling this a macro because of the equivalent capability in Word.)

    • Answers
  • David Pearce

    It sounds like you are looking for AutoHotKey:

    AutoHotkey is a free, open-source utility for Windows. With it, you can:

    • Automate almost anything by sending keystrokes and mouse clicks. You can write a mouse or keyboard macro by hand or use the macro recorder.
    • Create hotkeys for keyboard, joystick, and mouse. Virtually any key, button, or combination can become a hotkey.
    • Expand abbreviations as you type them. For example, typing "btw" can automatically produce "by the way".
    • Create custom data-entry forms, user interfaces, and menu bars. See GUI for details.
    • Remap keys and buttons on your keyboard, joystick, and mouse.
    • Respond to signals from hand-held remote controls via the WinLIRC client script.
    • Run existing AutoIt v2 scripts and enhance them with new capabilities.
    • Convert any script into an EXE file that can be run on computers that don't have AutoHotkey installed.
  • Matthew Lock

    AutoHotkey can record and play back macros, though it's usually easier just to write them in the AutoHotkey language in the first place.

    There's also this new kid on the block automation solution for Windows: http://lifehacker.com/5459673/sikuli-automates-almost-anything-with-screenshot-ease

  • Richard Povinelli

    I'd recommend Sikuli. Very interesting graphical way to script. I got it to work on Windows 7 without a problem. They have OS X and Linux versions.


    • Related Question

    a windows keyboard macro recorder that is FAST to use?
  • Arthur Ulfeldt

    I want to hit some hot-key, type away, hit another to stop recording. then hit a third hotkey to select the sequence to replay. Opening an editor and typing a script is too much overhead to save any time at these tasks.


    • Related Answers
  • Sivvy

    Try AutoHotkey. It's created by someone who used to help with AutoIT, but has more emphasis on hotkey functionality. VERY simple to learn, and comes with an easy to use recorder.

  • 8088

    While likely overkill for what you may be trying to do, the Logitech G15 keyboard has the ability to do on-the-fly macro recording at the push of a button.

    Logitech G15