AutoKey

What AutoKey is

AutoKey is a free, open-source desktop automation utility for Linux systems using X11. It expands typed abbreviations into reusable text blocks across applications, which can speed up repeated writing and form entry. Hotkeys can insert phrases, run scripts, or open a menu. Phrase macros can replace tags with changing information, including the current date and time. For broader automation, AutoKey uses small Python programs that can start programs, send commands to windows, resize windows, reposition the cursor, and provide keyboard or mouse input. Scripts can also transfer text between running applications and start or close programs. The documentation describes uses for people writing or editing documents, articles, programs, and forms, plus users of database, CAD/CAM, engineering, and scientific software. AutoKey uses the GNU GPL v3 license and has advanced expansion rules. It is an X11 application and will not function correctly with Wayland instead of Xorg. Known language problems include Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese.