AHK, AutoHotkey editor
Which one should I use?

I give you a few tips about why you should use a dedicated AutoHotkey editor when you create or modify AutoHotkey or ahk files. I am gonna show you my three favorite AHK editors which suit for everyone. If you want to use AutoHotkey, make sure it has been installed on your system. If you need any help regarding installation of AutoHotkey, check my guide here.

You are able to create and also modify ahk files with plain notepad but do only if you are in a rush or you have permission problems. :wub-internal-IT-dep:

Since Notepad is installed on every Windows by default it makes sense to use it sometimes but I wouldn’t recommend it. It doesn’t have any color, it won’t help you with the AHK syntax, it doesn’t have any extra features. The only option you have is to view the status bar (Menu > View > Status bar), this way you can check the lines and the number of selected characters.

Editor bronze award
notepad.exe

PROs built-in, old-school, does the job properly
CONs zero modification, spartan look, no extra features :(

If you need a better editor I recommend to check out Fincs’s AutoHotkey editor the SciTE4AutoHotkey program. It’s a SciTE-based AHK editor and it offers plenty of great features.

A few key features:

Syntax highlighting :colors-wub:

IntelliSense, AutoComplete, AutoIndent

integrated AuoHotkey help

supports abbreviations, extensions

you can edit Macros

interactive debugging

1. Configurable toolbar

2. Easy access to multiple files, scripts

3. Colorful code

4. shows Line number, Loops

5. Debugger, line and character numbers

Editor Silver award
SciTE4AutoHotkey

If you want to test SciTE4AutoHotkey, you can download it from Fincs’s website.

After you have downloaded the installer file you need to install the program.

Just open the file and choose install.

You can set the path (install location)

Set it the default .ahk file editor

Add tiles to the Start screen

And create an icon in the Desktop if you want to

Done!

Now you can use your fancy and new AutoHotkey editor

OR

you can check the winner

The best is AHK Studio, made by maestrith. You can find the online documentation on AHK Studio’s GitHub page. I remember when I first saw it on the AutoHotkey forum, I knew It will be my favorite tool to edit my scripts. The main reason I choose this particular program is that you can customize every piece of pixels in AHK Studio. I’ve used it for months but I am still finding new clever little features which help you to code faster.

AHK Studio key features:

Syntax highlighting :colors-wub:

IntelliSense, AutoComplete, AutoIndent

integrated AuoHotkey help doc

supports abbreviations, extensions

powerful GUI editor

GitHub support & FTP support

interactive debugging

Auto insert <>, [], {}, (), ”

MORE – I mean it

Editor Golden award (without question)
AHK Studio

If you want to test AHK, you can download it from maestrith’s website.

You can also make a donation to maestrith (check his website), this tool is simply too good.