• Intro to AutoHotkey Intermediate AutoHotkey Intermediate Objects GUIs are Easy w/AutoHotkey Painlessly switch from V1 to V2

Bill Gates demonstrates the first use of Text Expansion Ever Recorded

I was watching an old Microsoft video where Bill Gates was demonstrating Visual Basic.   To my surprise he mentioned using Text Expansion (HotStrings)

I always like to say that HotStrings are the “Hidden Gems” of AutoHotkey.   If you’re not using them, you are missing out!

AutoHotkey Newsletter September 7th

AutoHotkey Newsletter

Imagine you’re making your cup of morning coffee ☕. If you’re like my wife you like it with 2 sugars and 3 creams. However here is how you go about making it:

  • You pour 2 ounces of coffee in your coffee cup
  • You add 1 sugar
  • You add 1 cream
  • You pour 2 more ounces of coffee
  • You add the 2nd sugar
  • You add 2nd cream
  • You pour 2 more ounces of coffee
  • You add 3rd cream
  • You pour 2 more ounces of coffee

Great, now you have 8 ounces of coffee however it took you quite a bit of effort to get your coffee…

This sounds ridiculous however it’s how most people tackle tasks they do every day

They don’t spot the pattern and end up doing things individually and not batching them together.

Work on batching your tasks together (where it makes sense) and you’ll save a lot of time!

It’s also important to note that, while computers are far better at humans switching between tasks, your AutoHotkeyscripts can also be optimized by grouping together like-items. This is just one of the things we teach during our AutoHotkey Hero calls.

Now on with the show…

Intro to AutoHotkey HotStrings with AutoHotkey Intermediate AutoHotkey Intermediate Objects GUIs are Easy w/AutoHotkey Make the switch to v2

Pinning non-Executables to the Taskbar in Windows 11

A while back both Isaias and I made the switch to Windows 11. While it isn’t horrible (like Win 8) they did make a lot of changes (in the wrong direction as far as we’re concerned). One example is the lack of being able to pin an AutoHotkey script (or any non-executable) to the Taskbar. In this video I show a simple “work around”. If you’re like me and want the Taskbar on the side you can check out the ExplorerPatch tool I show during the video.

How to Pin a non-executable file to Taskbar in Windows 11
How to Pin a non-executable file to Taskbar in Windows 11


Creating custom functions in AutoHotkey (Extract from Intro to AHK)

If you’re new to AutoHotkey one of the fastest and best ways you can “level-up” is to be using the many built-in functions. I mentioned this last week and linked to this video which shows how to start using them.

The very next way to leap-forward it to start creating your own custom functions. I’ve extracted another video from the Intro to AutoHotkey course showing you how to create your own functions. As I like to say Functions are like go-subs on crack! Give it a look and you’ll understand why!

Using built-in Commands and Built in AHK v2
Using built-in Commands and Built in AHK v2

Don’t forget the Intro to AutoHotkey course is over 4 hours long and has a ton more value! And don’t worry, all our courses come with a 200% money back guarantee!


AI Creeping into our Tech everywhere…

This morning I was playing on my Android phone and accidentally discovered some AI on an image I was pressing.
I documented it in this video but, in another year, our world is going to be transformed!

AI on images in Android Phone
AI on images in Android Phone


Examples of what I’ve used AutoHotkey to Automate

We were on a client call and he suggested I record more videos like this one where I share what I’ve automated lately with AutoHotkey. I told him I have an entire playlist of these however, since much of what we work on now is confidential client work, I can’t record videos on them. I did realize that there are lots of side-projects I have Isaias and Irfan do for me. So I’ll try and start making some more videos documenting some of the cool internal tools that we create.

AutoHotkey automation review (003) | What I automated with AutoHotkey
AutoHotkey automation review (003) | What I automated with AutoHotkey


AutoHotkey & StreamDeck

We started using Elgato Stream Decks a while back and I have to say, I am liking them way more than I anticipated! Having said that, I basically use mine as a Hotkey for triggering scripts / programs because I do all the automating in my AutoHotkey script. Anyway, I happened to see this video from Walden’s Automation where he documents how to toggle your AHK script

Stream Deck AutoHotkey Launcher – Toggle Scripts with your stream deck
Stream Deck AutoHotkey Launcher - Toggle Scripts with your stream deck


Great Episode by two Legendary Marketing Gurus

As you might know I’m a huge Dan Kennedy fan. I’ve read nearly every book he’s written and he’s an absolute marketing genius! I was really excited to find his Magnetic Marketing podcast. Over the weekend I was listening to this episode where he interviews Jay Abraham

📚 What we’re reading


🤖 AI / Chat GPT-3 News / Usage

9 AI Tools You Will ACTUALLY Use
9 AI Tools You Will ACTUALLY Use


⚡️Productivity tips: Plan your day (the night before)!

Write down the three most important tasks the night before and let your subconscious work on them!


🤣 A spot of Humor: The Marine Biologist: One of the funniest things I’ve seen on TV!

Seinfeld l MiniEpisode l The Marine Biologist
Seinfeld l MiniEpisode l The Marine Biologist


AHK Hero 🦸

Consider joining the 🦸AHK Hero club! Members receive 25% off courses, consultations, tutoring, done for you project work, etc.

They also have access to exclusive & pre-released content and a 3 hours a week where we help people with their AHK issues (the Saturday calls are geared towards people new to AutoHotkey.)


🗣️ 💭 Quotable quotes

  • Decisions without actions are worthless Dan Kennedy
  • Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I’ll spend the first 4 sharpening the axe Abraham Lincoln
  • What I lack in Skills & Abilities I make up for with Optimism & Determination
  • What people think of you is irrelevant. But how you leave this world matters. Even if it’s all futile in the end, play your part as well as you can. Real courage is fear, in action. Play your hand. John Carlton

AHK Newsletter⏩SHARE WITH A FRIEND⏩

Do you know someone that would benefit from learning useful automation tips like the gems in today’s issue? Take a second and forward this newsletter and bask in the glow of their undying gratitude. Was this email forwarded to you?

Sign up for this Newsletter here. We never share your email with anyone. Ever!


The-Automator

Joe, Isaias, Irfan, and staff

Level-up your skills with tutoring Join the AHK Heroes! Get the work done for you by AHK Pros Consult with an AHK Guru AutoHotkey books on Amazon Free AutoHotkey Help

P.S. Batching things are a great way to be more productive. I find having a schedule really helps me stay organized and ensure I work smarter, not harder.
It’s one of there reasons I encourage our Clients to use their calendar to block time to work through our AHK Courses.

Why Productivity Matters More for Some People Than Others

Productivity is the measure of how efficiently and effectively we use our time and resources to achieve our goals. It is something that many people strive for, whether in their personal or professional lives. But why do some people seem to care more about being productive than others? And how does AutoHotkey, a scripting language that can automate tasks on Windows, fit into this picture?  In this article we discuss why productivity matters more for some than others.

The Motivation Behind Productivity

In humans, the drive for productivity tends to be motivated by a set of overlapping natural desires. These include a desire to contribute to a group, a desire to be challenged and mentally stimulated, and a desire to fulfill basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety1.

However, not everyone has the same level of motivation or the same type of motivation when it comes to being productive. Some people may be more intrinsically motivated, meaning they find satisfaction and enjoyment in the work itself. Others may be more extrinsically motivated, meaning they are influenced by external rewards or punishments, such as money, recognition, or feedback.

The type and level of motivation can also depend on the context and the nature of the work. For example, some people may be more productive when they have autonomy and flexibility in their work, while others may prefer structure and guidance. Some people may be more productive when they have clear and specific goals, while others may enjoy exploring and experimenting.

The Benefits of Being Productive

Being productive can have many benefits for both individuals and organizations. Some of the benefits include:

  • Increased efficiency: Being productive means getting the most out of your time and resources. It means being able to complete more tasks in less time, or achieve higher quality results with less effort.
  • Increased effectiveness: Being productive means getting closer to your goals. It means being able to prioritize what matters most, and focus on what will have the most impact.
  • Increased satisfaction: Being productive means feeling good about your work. It means being able to enjoy the process and the outcome of your work. It also means being able to balance your work and personal life better.
  • Increased well-being: Being productive means taking care of yourself physically and mentally. It means being able to manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Pitfalls of Being Unproductive

On the other hand, being unproductive can have many negative consequences for both individuals and organizations. Some of the pitfalls include:

  • Wasted time: Being unproductive means spending too much time on tasks that are not important or relevant. It means being distracted, procrastinating, or multitasking ineffectively.
  • Wasted resources: Being unproductive means using more resources than necessary for a given task. It means being inefficient, wasteful, or careless with your materials, equipment, or energy.
  • Wasted potential: Being unproductive means not reaching your full potential. It means missing out on opportunities, learning experiences, or growth possibilities.
  • Wasted well-being: Being unproductive means harming yourself physically and mentally. It means feeling stressed, frustrated, bored, or unhappy with your work. It also means neglecting your personal needs and interests.

The Difference Between Productivity Seekers and Productivity Avoiders

Given the benefits of being productive and the pitfalls of being unproductive, why do some people still avoid being productive? And why do some people seek productivity more than others?

One possible explanation is that different people have different perceptions of productivity and its value. For some people, productivity is seen as a positive and rewarding state that leads to personal and professional success. For others, productivity is seen as a negative and stressful state that leads to pressure and exhaustion.

Another possible explanation is that different people have different incentives for being productive. For some people, productivity is directly linked to their income or career advancement. For others, productivity is not related to their compensation or recognition.

For example, consider the difference between an entrepreneur and an employee. An entrepreneur is someone who owns their own business or works independently. They are responsible for creating their own products or services, setting their own goals, and managing their own resources. They are also rewarded based on their performance and results.

An employee is someone who works for an organization or a boss. They are assigned tasks or projects by someone else, follow rules and guidelines set by someone else, and use resources provided by someone else. They are also paid based on their hours or contract terms.

In this scenario, an entrepreneur has more motivation to be productive than an employee because:

  • They have more autonomy and flexibility in their work
  • They have more intrinsic motivation from creating something they care about
  • They have more extrinsic motivation from earning more money or gaining more customers

An employee has less motivation to be productive than an entrepreneur because:

  • They have less autonomy and flexibility in their work
  • They have less intrinsic motivation from doing something they may not enjoy
  • They have less extrinsic motivation from earning the same amount of money or getting the same feedback

Of course, this is a simplified and generalized example. Not all entrepreneurs are productive, and not all employees are unproductive. There are many factors that can influence productivity, such as personality, skills, environment, culture, and feedback. However, this example illustrates how different types of work can affect productivity motivation.

How AutoHotkey Can Help Productivity Seekers

AutoHotkey is a scripting language that can automate tasks on Windows. It can be used to create shortcuts, macros, hotkeys, hotstrings, menus, GUIs, and more. It can also be used to manipulate files, folders, windows, web pages, and applications.

AutoHotkey can be a useful tool for productivity seekers, especially for those who work on a computer. It can help them:

  • Save time: AutoHotkey can automate repetitive or tedious tasks that would otherwise take a lot of time and effort. For example, it can create shortcuts for frequently used commands or phrases, or automate complex workflows or processes.
  • Save resources: AutoHotkey can optimize the use of resources such as Number of employees, Number of computers, etc.
  • Save potential: AutoHotkey can enhance the functionality and usability of existing programs or applications. For example, it can add features or options that are not available by default, or customize the interface or behavior of a program or application.
  • Error reduction: AutoHotkey can greatly recude the amount of human errors and create a log of what happened so errors can be tracked back and identified.
  • Save well-being: AutoHotkey can improve the comfort and convenience of working on a computer. For example, it can adjust the brightness or volume of the screen or speakers, or change the keyboard layout or mouse settings.

Conclusion

Sadly productivity is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Different people have different motivations and incentives for being productive. Some people may seek productivity more than others because they find it rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling. Others may avoid productivity more than others because they find it stressful, boring, and exhausting.

AutoHotkey is a tool that can help productivity seekers achieve their goals faster and easier. It can automate tasks, optimize resources, enhance functionality, and improve comfort on Windows. It can also be fun and creative to use.

If you are interested in learning more about AutoHotkey and how it can help you be more productive, you can visit the official website at https://www.autohotkey.com/ or check out some tutorials and examples at https://the-Automator.com

We do have amazing courses on AutoHotkey which are built for people that are completely new to Scripting and Automation.  You can learn more here

All of our courses come with a 200% money back guarantee.  If you’re not thrilled with the course within the first 30 days we will pay you double what you paid for it!

Learn more:

🚀Boost productivity with AutoHotkey HotStrings! 💻Unlock the secret to effortless workflow🔥 39 examples provided

AutoHotkey HotStrings10 Reasons Why AutoHotkey HotStrings Will Revolutionize Your Workflow – The Ultimate Productivity Hack!

AutoHotkey is a powerful tool that allows users to automate repetitive tasks and increase productivity. One of the most useful features of AutoHotkey is the HotStrings function.

AutoHotkey HotStrings allow users to create custom shortcuts and abbreviations that can be used to quickly and easily type out common phrases or responses. In this blog post, we will be discussing 10 reasons why HotStrings are a valuable tool for anyone looking to increase efficiency and streamline their workflow. From increasing productivity and reducing errors to being easy to use and cost-effective, HotStrings have a wide range of benefits that make them a must-have tool for anyone looking to increase their productivity.

  1. Increased Productivity: HotStrings allow for the automation of repetitive tasks, such as typing out common phrases or responses, which can save a significant amount of time and increase overall productivity.
  2. Customizable: HotStrings can be customized to suit the specific needs of the user, allowing for the creation of personalized shortcuts and abbreviations.
  3. Error Reduction: HotStrings reduce the risk of typos and other errors, as the phrases and responses are pre-defined and automatically inserted, rather than manually typed out.
  4. Improved Efficiency: HotStrings can be used to streamline workflows by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks.
  5. Easy to Use: HotStrings are easy to set up and use, making them accessible to users of all skill levels.
  6. Versatile: HotStrings can be used for a wide variety of tasks, such as typing out common phrases, inserting images, and even running scripts.
  7. Cost-effective: HotStrings are a cost-effective solution for increasing productivity, as they do not require any additional software or hardware.
  8. Expandable: HotStrings can be expanded upon and modified as needed, allowing for continued improvement and increased efficiency over time.
  9. Compatibility: HotStrings are compatible with a wide range of applications and programs, making them a versatile tool for any user.
  10. Increased Accuracy: HotStrings can be used to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, which can help to improve accuracy and reduce errors.

HotStrings is a powerful tool that can be used to automate repetitive tasks, increase productivity, and streamline workflows. With its versatility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, it’s no wonder that many users find it to be an invaluable tool. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or anyone in between, HotStrings can help to make your work easier and more efficient.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock the full potential of AutoHotkey HotStrings and take your productivity to the next level. Enroll in our exclusive HotStrings course today and start seeing results in no time!

Here are 39 examples of AutoHotkey HotStrings to get you started

  1. ::btw::by the way
  2. ::gov::government
  3. :r:lu::Love you too!
  4. ::ctn::Sorry, I can’t talk right now I’ll get back to you in a few minutes
  5. ::pjz::Please join zoom for a few minutes.  I have a couple of questions I need to ask you
  6. ::rty::Spasiba  ;Thank you in Russian
  7. ::jty::Domo arigato ;Thank you in Japanese
  8. ::tq::thank you
  9. ::pls::please
  10. ::wdyt::what do you think
  11. ::idk::I don’t know
  12. ::np::no problem
  13. ::brb::be right back
  14. ::afk::away from keyboard
  15. ::yw::you’re welcome
  16. ::omw::on my way
  17. ::ty::thank you
  18. ::lol::laugh out loud
  19. ::lmao::laughing my ass off
  20. ::rofl::rolling on the floor laughing
  21. ::haha::laughing
  22. ::jk::just kidding
  23. ::btw::by the way
  24. ::ftw::for the win
  25. ::imo::in my opinion
  26. ::tbh::to be honest
  27. ::gtd::get things done
  28. ::adrs::address
  29. ::phn::phone number
  30. ::dob::date of birth
  31. ::email::email address
  32. ::sig::signature
  33. ::bd::birthday
  34. ::cp::company
  35. ::prjct::project
  36. ::rpt::report
  37. ::mtg::meeting
  38. ::cmp::compliment
  39. ::sug::suggestion

These are just a some examples, you can customize and make your own Hotstrings for phrases, words, sentences or even paragraphs that you use frequently.