AutoIt
Freeware Windows scripting language for automating keystrokes, mouse actions and application windows.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 3
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About AutoIt
AutoIt is a long-running scripting language for automating Windows. Scripts are written in a BASIC-like syntax and can send keystrokes and mouse movements, find and control windows and their buttons, text boxes and lists, start and manage processes, call Windows APIs and DLLs, use COM objects and build simple GUIs. It was first made for unattended PC roll-outs, and it is still common with IT admins, testers and people automating legacy desktop software that has no API. Scripts can be compiled into standalone executables with Aut2Exe, so they run on machines without AutoIt installed, and an AutoItX library brings the same functions to PowerShell, VBScript or C#. A customised version of the SciTE editor is included. AutoIt is freeware rather than open source, may be used commercially, and runs only on Windows. Its community forum and help file are large, though the language itself changes slowly.
Best for: Windows admins and testers automating desktop apps that have no API.
Pros and cons
What works
- Scripts compile to standalone executables
- Direct control of windows and controls, not just keystrokes
- Free, including for commercial use
- Bundled SciTE editor and a detailed help file
Why people leave
- Windows only
- Freeware, not open source
- Dated BASIC-style language with slow development
- Compiled scripts are sometimes flagged by antivirus tools
Top AutoIt alternatives
See all 3- 1KeKeyboard Maestro61.8
For people moving to a Mac: macros triggered by hotkeys, timers or events, built visually.
- 2
Hammerspoon59.4Free, scriptable Mac automation in Lua, closer to AutoIt's code-first style.
- 3
Microsoft Power Automate54.4Microsoft's low-code route, with a free desktop recorder and cloud flows for less script-minded users.
Why people left AutoIt
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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AutoIt: common questions
Is AutoIt free?
Yes, AutoIt is free to use.
Is AutoIt open source?
No, AutoIt is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Hammerspoon.
What platforms does AutoIt run on?
AutoIt is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to AutoIt?
The highest-ranked AutoIt alternatives right now are Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon and Microsoft Power Automate. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.