How is KeyRoutines different from AutoHotkey?

KeyRoutines builds routines from visual blocks with triggers for apps, games, devices, files and more, plus a run history for every step. AutoHotkey is a scripting language, and is stronger for remapping keys and custom input.

Can routines call each other?

Yes. Run routine starts another routine, can wait for its outputs, and routines can call each other up to 8 levels deep.

Can other programs start a routine?

Yes, with Pro. The Webhook trigger listens on the KeyRoutines local API, which only programs on this PC that you paired with a 4-digit code can call.

Are script steps on by default?

No. Script steps stay off until you turn on Allow script steps under Settings, Advanced, and a dry run skips them.

Can I see what a routine did?

Yes. Run history records every run with each step's result, duration and reason.

Automation for Windows power users: triggers, modes and scripts

KeyRoutines gives power users more than hotkeys: over 40 triggers, conditions with expressions, loops and parallel steps, routines that call each other, and Modes that remember what they change and put it back. With Pro you can run PowerShell, call HTTP APIs and start routines from scripts or a Stream Deck through the local API.

Sound familiar?

Scripts that only you can read

Your automations are a folder of scripts and scheduled tasks, and nobody, including future you, remembers what they do.

No clean way back

Your gaming or presentation setup changes ten settings, and putting them back is another script that's always out of date.

Polling everything

Half your automations check something every few seconds instead of reacting when it changes.

Gluing tools together

You want your home server, your Stream Deck and a webhook to all start the same job.

Routines to build

Modes that put things back

Gaming, Work and Streaming as Modes in one set: turning one on turns the others off, each restoring its own changes.

Chain routines with events

A setup routine sends stream-ready; other routines listen for it, or for a routine that failed.

Script steps when blocks aren't enough

Run PowerShell with routine values passed in, then branch on its exit code or output.

Talk to web APIs

Call a REST API, pick a field out of the answer and act on it.

Start routines from your own tools

A paired script or the Stream Deck plugin calls a named webhook on this PC.

React to hardware

When the dock connects, wait for the monitors, restore your layout and switch audio.

Modes, script steps, HTTP requests, the Webhook trigger and the Mode turned on or off trigger need KeyRoutines Pro; routine events, Run routine, device triggers and layouts are free.

Step-by-step guides

How to open apps at startup in a set window layout How to save and restore your window layout with a hotkey How to put windows back when you reconnect a monitor How to keep any window always on top with a hotkey How to make an app always open on a specific monitor How to close a recurring popup window automatically How to switch to an app or open it with one hotkey How to minimize every window except one app with a hotkey How to open several apps and websites with one hotkey How to close all open apps except a few with one click How to reopen an app automatically when it closes or crashes How to open an app automatically when another app starts How to wait until an app has fully loaded before the next step How to open an app as administrator with a hotkey How to make an AFK hotkey that mutes and hides your screen How to schedule a shutdown with a countdown you can cancel How to keep your PC awake while a specific app is running How to save battery automatically when the laptop is unplugged How to turn off your screen with a hotkey on Windows How to switch keyboard layout automatically for one app How to run a PowerShell script with a hotkey and see the result How to restart apps and fix windows after the PC wakes up How to pause music when you walk away and resume when back How to run something when a USB drive is plugged in

More in System, Devices, Windows and layouts, Apps.

Questions

How is KeyRoutines different from AutoHotkey?: KeyRoutines builds routines from visual blocks with triggers for apps, games, devices, files and more, plus a run history for every step. AutoHotkey is a scripting language, and is stronger for remapping keys and custom input.
Can routines call each other?: Yes. Run routine starts another routine, can wait for its outputs, and routines can call each other up to 8 levels deep.
Can other programs start a routine?: Yes, with Pro. The Webhook trigger listens on the KeyRoutines local API, which only programs on this PC that you paired with a 4-digit code can call.
Are script steps on by default?: No. Script steps stay off until you turn on Allow script steps under Settings, Advanced, and a dry run skips them.
Can I see what a routine did?: Yes. Run history records every run with each step's result, duration and reason.

KeyRoutines for…

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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