How to Create a Mouse and Keyboard Macro on Windows
When we talk about “Macros” most people refer to “Excel macros” and the programming language VBA Excel which we have already talked about in other guides. In reality, “macros”, i.e. programs that serve to automate various operations and activities, do not only apply to Excel but can also concern the use of the PC, keyboard and mouse. In fact, there is the possibility of create macros for mouse and keyboard in order to automate “repetitive” actions on the computer and perhaps perform operations without our presence (even at night).
Creating a mouse and keyboard macro can be useful for doing a lot of things. Here are some examples of activities that could be done automatically thanks to a macro:
- Copying a list of data from one document to another (e.g. from a txt file to an excel file) in a specific order
- Filling out forms with information from a document, and submitting that form
- Automatic execution of a program, reproduction of a task and closing the program
- Automatic and repetitive clicks on different web pages
- Sending automatic emails with information copied from different sources
- Activating automation processes in a software or even in an online game
These above are just a few examples. The applications of macros are practically endless and the only thing you need to do is look for the right tool to create mouse and keyboard macros.
How to Create a Mouse and Keyboard Macro (on Windows)
There is a lot of software out there that allows you to create mouse and keyboard macros and record the activities you want. In fact, on Windows PCs, Microsoft has already integrated a function to create macros. In This Page The steps to follow to do all this are described. As you will notice, it is not a very intuitive thing to do and also not all mice and keyboards support this functionality. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to create macros for mouse and keyboard Below we want to list the best solutions.
#1. MouseKey Recorder Basic (for Windows)
MouseKey Recorder it is the first solution we want to propose. We place it in first place because unlike others “macro recorder” turns out to be much more practical and simple to use. There aren’t too many options and settings to set, and once installed you can immediately do it Recording of repetitive mouse and keyboard actions. The tool is compatible with Windows 11/10, Windows 8/7/Vista. Click on the following button to download it to your PC:
Install and launch the program. Here is the simple interface that will appear on the screen:
MouseKey Recorder It’s so intuitive to use that you don’t even need a guide. To create a mouse and keyboard macro, simply click on the yellow REC button and immediately after you can start recording all mouse movements and keys typed on the keyboard. Once registration is complete, click on the STOP button (or press the ESC key on your keyboard). At this point the macro will already be created and you can save it on your computer by pressing the icon with the downward arrow:
To play the macro, simply click on the PLAY icon (green). By default the program will repeat the operation only 1 time. If you want to repeat the operation several times, for example 10 times and perhaps at double speed, click on the icon with the circular arrows and in the window “Repetitions & Speed” that opens, sets both the number of repetitions and the playback speed:
That’s all! As you can see, nothing could be simpler.
MouseKey Recorder also offers the ability to schedule playing a macro: click on the clock icon and a window will open where you can set the start time and also the end time (optional)
The version free demo MouseKey Recorder allows you to play a macro up to 15 times. To remove this limitation, click on the padlock icon and proceed with the purchase and registration of the license.
#2. MouseKey Recorder Advanced
If what you are looking for is software that, in addition to creating the macro, also gives you the possibility of modifying and customizing it (after recording it), then MouseKey Recorder Advanced is the solution that can help you. It is possible to download the free trial version from the official page at the following link: https://mousekeyrecorder.net/it/download-it/
The use of this program is simple, as already seen for the Basic version.
To create a new macro, press the Create New Macro button. The window will open from which you can start recording by pressing RECORD. When you finish the operations to be memorized, press the CTRL + SPACEBAR keys at the same time.
After recording the macro, all actions will be visible in the program interface. From here you can view and even modify each individual action. You can add more and customize the macro as you wish.
In the Scheduler section, however, you can load scripts (macros saved on the PC) and schedule their start on the desired day and time. That’s all!
#3. RoboTask (for Windows)
If you’re looking for something more comprehensive to manage and automate everything on your PC, then you might want to give it a try Robotask. It is a program that allows you to automate a wide range of tasks on your Windows PC. You can run applications on a schedule, check emails, back up files by downloading or uploading, schedule email sending, etc… You can download the demo version of the program from the link below:
You can use Robotask for create macros simple or complex, depending on your needs. When it comes to complex automation features of this software, you can create IF/ELSE statements, loops, set custom variables, etc…
Robotask comes with a user-friendly custom interface that allows you to simply select the options you need and then tweak them the way you like.
You can choose from a wide range of actions designed for working with files, Internet, FTP, data statistics, etc… Thanks to Robotask’s wide range of features, you can also create custom scripts which can be triggered under certain conditions, when files are moved and copied, if you receive a new email, and in many other cases.
One of the best features of Robotask is the fact that you can run it as a service (SaaS), allowing you to automate various tasks even if you are not connected.
Other notable features are:
- Shut down Windows based on several triggers of your choice
- Process files and folders: copy, move, rename, delete
- FTP and web server compatibility (can use uploads and downloads, etc.)
- Automate the process of sending emails
- Network messages like winPopup: Allows you to track your team’s work
- You can use the tool as an alarm clock
- The latest version of this app offers a number of exciting new features worth mentioning, including Excel Run Macro, SSL FTP Control File, SFTP Control File, added filters and global variables to the Variables dialog, export and import of global variables for remote use.
The fact that Robotask offers such a wide range of features and its simple user interface makes this software one of the best options for macro automation on the market. Unfortunately the version license FULL of the program has a considerable cost (around €129 + VAT).
#4. Pulover’s Macro Creator
This software is an excellent free and lightweight tool for creating macros for mouse and keyboard and which allows you to write scripts, and log any usage of your computer to automate various tasks. Macro Creator it can be used by both experts and beginners as it offers the option to choose to use the pre-set scripts or write a custom one using the script AutoHotkey.
This app can also record keystrokes, mouse movements, but also maintains control over files, windows, etc., even adapting to pre-selected data inputs. Here are some features:
- Control Commands: Allows you to control windows in the background
- Window Commands: Can maximize, maximize, and set a wide range of window settings
- It searches for a specific image or pixel on the screen and reacts based on the characteristics of the macro
- Loops: You can create simple and advanced loops that allow you to easily browse folders, text files, etc.
- Set “If Statements” to react in a specific way “if” an action occurs
- Expressions with automatic hotkeys: can control applications like Excel, Word, etc.
#5. AutoIT
AutoIT is another software that allows you to create macros, modify them according to your needs and can also automate a wide range of repetitive processes. You can run programs, automate keystrokes and mouse clicks, change Windows functions, etc.
One of the best features of this program is the fact that it can automate simple text and clipboard functions and can also be used to edit registry entries. The automation features offered by AutoIT are very simple to understand and use and offers a wide range of automated functions.
The AutoIt installation package includes both x86 and x64 compatible versions and contains program files, documentation and examples, Aut2Exe – script that allows you to convert macro tasks into standalone .exe files and also offers a basic version of the SciTE script editor .
The installation package also contains the standalone Auto Script Editor, which offers a customized version of SciTE with many additional coding tools.
#6. Macro Recorder
Macro Recorder is macro automation and creation software that allows you to track and record your computer’s mouse movement, record keystrokes, and even automate repetitive tasks. You can also use this application to edit macros, organize them into folders or groups, restore the previous location of any file if it has been moved, and store all your recordings in one easy-to-access location. The Premium version costs €49 + VAT.
Some of the most notable features found in Mouse Recorder include:
- Recording the names, locations and sizes of program windows
- It can trigger specific macros if a certain action is performed
- Macro export compatible with PhraseExpress v14
- Built-in macro editor
- It can change the playback speed of recordings
- Intelligent macro optimization: Automatically removes unnecessary steps
- Can be installed on portable USB drives