How to use AutoHotKey with Premiere - step by step tutorial for beginners!

AutoHotKey can drastically speed up your video editing in Premiere, by adding features it doesn't have! This tutorial shows exactly how to do it, step by step.
NOTE: Even if Premiere eventually gets some or all of these features, this tutorial will still teach you everything you need to know, for any future AHK scripts you may wish to write or modify.
0:00:00 Hello, world!
1:38 USE THE LINKED REPOSITORY TO FOLLOW ALONG:
github.com/TaranVH/2nd-keyboa...
2:39 Downloading and installing AHK
www.autohotkey.com/
10:06 #singleinstance
14:52 What it means to "comment out" your code
16:13 #ifwinactive is very important
18:14 You can remap anything to anything else
20:08 Read all of this tutorial before you continue, except for section 7, objects:
www.autohotkey.com/docs/Tutor...
21:03 1st script: ripple delete clip at playhead
31:44 Where to find all the shortcuts you must assign in Premiere, for my scripts to work!
32:17 Where to find MY Premiere shortcut assignments, and where Premiere stores them
37:45 2nd script: Instant cut at cursor
40:28 How "return" works
42:38 3rd script: Delete single clip at cursor
59:08 (Intermission) My tutorial creation process BTS - explanation of "dead ends"
1:01:29 Panel-specific shortcuts are important to know about
1:02:49 Upgrading your text editor! (to Notepad++)
notepad-plus-plus.org/downloads/
AHK syntax highlighting:
autohotkey.com/boards/viewtop...
1:07:40 Here's what preset() does
1:08:17 Why this tutorial will be relevant even if Premiere gets this feature someday
1:09:28 4th script: preset()!!
1:14:34 Why and how I use weird scan codes for debugging
1:17:48 WINDOW SPY - how to find the ahk_exe and ahk_class, etc
1:18:44 Back to preset()
1:55:11 cropclick() - optional!
1:59:33 tippy() - you don't need it.
2:00:37 Where to put all your AHK scripts!
(Make the following folders:)
C:\AHK\2nd-keyboard
2:02:50 Adding more function calls
2:06:41 Alternative to using my preset() function:
• Premiere's EXCALIBUR e...
knightsoftheeditingtable.com/
2:07:40 Make your scripts run automatically on startup.
(Put a shortcut to is, here:)
C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
2:09:11 Right click to move playhead script
2:11:56 yes_delete_existing_keyframes.ahk
2:12:53 accelerated scrolling

[@TaranVH]

I MIGHT make a follow up video to explain more things. But I don't know what to cover. So, AFTER you watch this video and try this stuff yourself, please reply to this comment, telling me what else you still find confusing, what functions of mine you can't get working and why, what weird issues you're encountering, etc. Be specific!

[@ganzoVEVO]

Not related to AHK specifically, but I'd be really interested in a video where you go through some of tweaks, utilities, and details of your setup that you use to speed up your workflow. Always on the lookout for little utilities like Ueli or AHK that are huge time-savers

[@chrisdayton35]

@@ganzoVEVO I second this

[@jermsbestfriend9296]

You should move over to #if winactive("title")

[@jermsbestfriend9296]

You'll have a lot of problems blocking numlock, scroll lock, and pause.

[@eternex4983]

You should definitely explain how to implement multiple keyboards. It surely would be interesting what @Ganzo said too

[@ymfah]

I use Vegas but I've been using AHK for my editing workflow thanks to these tutorials. Very nice.

[@ka1zenn]

ayy

[@catt9853]

Honest question, why do you choose Vegas as your NLE? Is there something that's better/easier to do on Vegas than on Premiere or Resolve?

[@brunokitano3506]

I don't use any video editing software, but I've started using ahk because of Taran. It's so good

[@Zengane]

based ymfah

[@mmattbtw]

@@catt9853 probably just the amount of experience they have with vegas, and learning a new NLE could be time consuming

[@AntVenom]

Awesome! Even though I use Vegas, I'll probably watch this. Over a year ago I implemented AHK into my Vegas workflow because of you. I even set it up in an "object" oriented fashion so making scripts for new effect / preset combinations takes me like 30 seconds. And I started using AHK for editing because of you, so thanks!

[@rafaveloso1234videos]

Seeing antVenom here makes me really surprised

[@schulenheimer]

Over two hours of a niche, nerdy editing tutorial? count me in.

[@simaskaciusis3246]

yesterday I watched your tutorial on LTT and started to program my macros and I was banging my head on the table trying to get everything working and now I see this! What a life saver! Thank you so much Taran. I use the razer keyboard method btw

[@Ryan-jw5xw]

I'm not an editor but ever since watching your tutorials I've been using AHK for soooo many things. You have singlehandedly changed how I used my computers to the point I find it hard to use another PC that doesn't have my macros. Thank you for these keep it up!

[@Missreview102]

after 15 days of translating and learning English and AHK words. I did it (preset). feeling really good. thank you very very very much Taran VH...

[@knif3r35]

Finally done with tutorial. Gives me headache thinking about how you wrote these scripts all by yourself. Also the side notes are really helpful in understand the code rather than just copying it. Thank you and hope you have a great day :)

[@TimReviews]

Dude this SAVED my workflow so hard, I was already pretty efficient with my editing but I didn't realize how much time I could save just by using presets with hotkeys, it literally gave me like an extra hour everyday, it's so good. I do have a background in coding, so that made it easier to follow the tutorial, but you made it super clear and simple, thanks a lot man!!

[@activemotionpictures]

From the entire (almost 8 hours series), this is by far the most useful to understand and create the code. Thank you so much!

[@DraxaTV]

omg i've been waiting forever for this!

[@AleSuggests]

it's 6.15am. my eyes are bleeding... but hell yeah... after a sleepless night, I can now load up presets faster than the speed of light! What an effort this was for a complete AHK beginner like me! But I cannot thank you enough Taran... you really know how to give back to the community! Incredible job man!

[@NeonCoding]

Your editing setup has been a brilliant guide and influence for my game development macros - while I don't have a full second keyboard setup yet, in previous projects having keys to setup gameobjects has been a godsend.

[@TacoMental]

one consideration if you'r enot wanting to take up desk space for extra keyboards is to use a keyboard that works with QHK or KLL (input club). I have an ergodox infinity and it can do LOTS of layers. Mostly this layers system lets people build really small footprint keybaord while having access to all the features. However it also enables you to use entire layers with single buttons dedicated to key combos you would normally find torturous on the hands. It also natively supports f13-f24 keys. I'm in the process of building out layers of keys that utilize these keys + modifiers. Then on my "base" layer i can setup keys that switch to that layer, only while pressed. Its like making new ctrl, alt keys that map to dedicated layers of functions that can use the entirety of your keyboard.

[@TABNationAutomation]

Great video and glad to see some more channels also doing AHK!

[@Al_Gepe]

Thank you so much! I wish everyone was so thorough in their explanation and documentation... Seriously helpful!

[@Drosophila]

Thank you so much Taran! You brought me to AutoHotKey, macrokeys, macrokeyboards and Premiere and therefore you helped me a lot.

[@rednaxela5]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just downloaded the autohotkey then the accelerated scrolling scripts and it works. I'll come back here next time to fully understand the usage of autohotkey.

[@SquirtSkywalker]

Love these uploads! Not for sure why I enjoy watching such technical videos but these videos are just so fun to watch for me lol Like I don’t even edit videos or use macros that much, but I’d like to think one day I could use this information

[@RainyKiri]

I have been waiting for this.... thank you

[@jarons]

As someone who edits chess videos, thank you so much. Your videos have helped me out, even if I haven't implemented that much at all it's still inspiring to see what's possible in premiere.

[@MatthiasDangl]

AHK is so useful for my Premiere Pro workflow. Thanks for taking so much time to show us this gamechanger!

[@Ko700el]

Hello World ... the firs 2 words of every programmer i literally feel that i learned more in your 2+ hours video than i did in class in 2 hours ...THANK YOU for this vid .. now i can fix the keybinding bs in games that i love :) yeah my programming needs are small and irrelevant to the main concept of the video but still THANK YOU :) this video will be VERY helpful when i get more accustomed with Magix Vegas Pro

[@martinvelky3340]

Just this morning I bought 2nd keyboard with intend to automate and you drop this video later in the day, awesome

[@dvdkon7165]

Just a git tip: You can use _tags_ for things like saying a specific commit is the one used in a tutorial. The nice thing about tags is that you can change which commit they point to, so you don't have to make multiple numbered commits and change links to point to the newest one.

[@b29ak2007]

Format = Hotkey : Commentary F4 : The Command follows the mouse head, which can be... I was about to be that person with a list of comments, but honestly I am dumbstruck by how useful this is I am about to finish the preset() section and the amount of coding you put into that section alone was enough for me to rethink the way I understand the complexity of both the software i use, as well as just how difficult the things I do during my video edits really are Your meticulous step by step approach through your coding really teaches us the skills you develop over a long time in such a simplistic way that I could now make a tutorial from your teachings. If anything I hope thats the best praise I can give also now I am super excited to watch the 4 hour worlds most advanced tutorial, cause after the 2 hour and this, my autohotkey fixation might be at its highest

[@Missreview102]

1:59:00

[@salmansheikh8500]

thankyou soooo soooo much,, I've been waiting for this video for years.,, and Finally you made it,., Thank you

[@Maxuvious]

Just in the nick of time! I just got into this hotkey stuff, very VERY useful.

[@Lauren_C]

I’d used Autohotkey to prank my boss before. Was fun. I had also very recently picked up a Sony A7C and Rokinon 50mm F1.4. Was an expensive bit of kit for myself, but I’d like to start a business proper in photography. You and LTT had served as inspiration over the years.

[@Missreview102]

1:35:42

[@karmanderdimdung223]

i havent watched it but i know its going to be epic. thanks taran

[@sotirisgennatos3292]

Taran, you're such an inspiration dude.

[@Missreview102]

1:13:10

[@shimronnetia]

your tutorials are crazy.. thank you

[@KontrolStyle]

Thanks for taking the time outside of your busy ass schedule to do this. cheers! 💓💙🌲

[@TheIronArmenianakaGIHaigs]

More bike reviews when :3 Plz

[@ShredderXI]

This was awesome thanks alot!

[@1800BrokenSoul]

I am such a fan of your work.. GG .. You truly inspire people dude.Great to see you make it on your own. Life after LTT .. you survived!!!!

[@BrendanCescon]

FINALLY!!! Thank you!

[@PandorasCrate0]

You know, the macro for octothorpe is pound, it removes two key strokes. :p Jesting aside, I just started getting into AHK last week and it's already changed my life. If I weren't such a stickler for coding, I could have done this a long time ago. You are the man! Thank you for your tutorials!

[@pealock]

As always, super helpful and informative. AHK is extremely daunting at times but this finally distilled it into easy to follow steps. Thank you!! I am curious how much of this could be simplified with the use of Excalibur (apply of effects, ect..). I understand that it would then put the macros behind a "pay-wall," but some sort of sister-script that utilizes Excalibur for those who have it would be amazing!

[@pietrog]

This is more entertaining than most new movies

[@LlessReal]

Just watched this entire video after stalling and it was fucking worth it !!! Now I can easily drag in my effects and do other shit that take like a minute to do. Actual workflow hack ngl. Only problem is when you kinda extend the video a little longer too much be describing functions and shit but I still appreciate it very much!

[@technicolourmyles]

You've got great timing, uploading this video now after I've been wishing for something like it since I first found your channel and always thought I'd never understand the more complicated parts of AutoHotKey like finding images and colours on the screen to make macros more powerful and thus putting the whole thing on the backburner until I eventually stopped editing up to when I got a new editing job and started itching to give macros another try which led me to buy a Stream Deck for infinite macro keys but then discovering it's not quite simple assigning macros to Stream Deck keys so I ended up leaving it that time as well and eventually using my Stream Deck to send stuff like "é" and "ñ" during my learning-Spanish-on-Duolingo phase and as a resource monitor and then eventually losing my editing jobs and getting more into my personal interest of visual effects and recently trying to figure out a way to add a keyboard shortcut to a function in Blackmagic Fusion which did not exist by trying to figure out how the heck scripting inside Fusion with Lua or Python works and quickly realising I don't have the time or energy to figure that out right now which got me thinking "Hmm, this would be dead simple with something like AutoHotKey" which led me to download AutoHotKey again just a few weeks ago and ending up spending the past few weeks learning all the stuff I used to think I'd never get and having way too much fun with it leading me to feel I wouldn't gain as much from a tutorial video such as this. I'm still going to watch it, though.

[@TaranVH]

I appreciate your comment, but here, have some periods: ................... And commas ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@technicolourmyles]

@@TaranVH You have no idea what a feat this comment was, I'm actually slightly proud of it.

[@technicolourmyles]

@@TaranVH What I meant by that was that it was an intentional effort in the name of "humour". I don't know why I've returned a week later to clarify this. I hope it was detectable.

[@TheOnlyName]

Neat, thanks for this!

[@vihangnair]

You are one seriously impressive human

[@KenDotCom]

Lmao

[@PyroKalfje]

FINALY. 4 weeks ago i was begining with learning to work with this. BUT in one week i stoped. now i can go futher.

[@jesuscerda1488]

thanks, is very useful

[@jermsbestfriend9296]

Thanks. Love you, dawg

[@TaranVH]

And I love YOU, random citizen!!

[@ianizer1]

​@@TaranVH Was that a Megamind reference? lol

[@TheOfficialLashBeats]

Thank you so much!!

[@Mickspad]

Notepad++ is good, but Visual Studio Code is my preferred program to use because it has great highlighting for code (you can install AHK stuff in like 5 seconds) and above all, dark theme

[@TheOfficialLashBeats]

I wish I could like this video multiple times

[@MsHojat]

Note that a good way to get rid of tooltips is to call a timer after using the tooltip command. This is better than using something like sleep followed by the blank tooltip command, because it allows for multithreading. just do something like "settimer, cleartooltip, -5000" along with a label "cleartooltip:" followed by "tooltip" (without any other arguments).

[@tdl3]

If Taran were my high school teacher, I would’ve got into Harvard.

[@popretmaster]

Also when measuring pixel distances I find that using greenshot, when you leftclick and drag (as though to take a screenshot) it displays the relative pixel distances in a really nice way, and one can simply cancel the screenshot and type them in, and that way it removes any and all guesswork.

[@krezii]

Thank you Macro King!

[@12mkamran]

I was literally rewatching your complete tutorial on premiere and wanted to find more autohotkey scripts and Dev tools. I'm convinced that I live in a simulation now lol

[@TehMiner21]

We’ve been blessed with another 2 hours of taran

[@Fezpan]

i love u Macro King! :D

[@byAxiom]

You are a god thank you so much

[@Mickspad]

One thing you showed off near the end is how to instantly re-run the code you're trying to test, but I would personally recommend against doing that, and would recommend having a separate file that is constantly running with a dedicated hotkey to run the code you're trying to edit, it's a lot cleaner, easier to change one line and have it work for a different set of code you're working on, and won't break on some files

[@kilmersklassiskakanal]

For some years ago i saw the "87-key Macro keyboard" video and i started using HIDMacros because when you showed the code in ahk i was just scared xD But in the last days i have started using ahk because of this video thank you so much!

[@I_am_GYO]

gracias por el tutorial, entendí muy poco porque no soy tan bueno para programar, pero definitivamente aplicare lo que entendí.

[@HaVoCX64]

Dear Taran, i have read and tried your script for adding SFX (insertSFX leSound) the only problem is that in Premier pro the source assignment thing is not working, i edited the script, found the location for the mouse, tested for many hours back and forth, but still, this part won't work, i am unable to select audio track 4 or 3 as main timeline to insert SFX

[@MousePounder]

I use AHK to have a dedicated calc button. It is pretty great.

[@TacoMental]

Watching this now. I'm actually digging into my ergodox infinity finally which has a massive amount of layers and natively handles f13-f24. Planning to make a set of layers where each one is all variations of "normal" modifiers with each function key. then i can create layer activation keys so that alt+ctrl+shift+f13 will instead be "layer 3 button" + the 3 key. I will still need to dig into autohotkey but I think it will save me having 2 keyboards on the desk.

[@ThomasS17]

2:10:37 Idk if something changed since you made this video, but I set the keyboard shortcut in Premiere to Ctr+\ before I saw this section in the video, and it still seems to work as intended.

[@blackburn1489]

I think you need to check out analog keyboard wooting HE, you can add more commands on a single key depending on how far a key was pressed

[@Nyubug]

Even though I don't video edit I still use AutoHotkey to launch programs, change the window size to 1920x1080, change the window to borderless, then position the video at the bottom center of tv. It's good for people with LG oled tvs that have it mounted on their desk.

[@therainman8703]

Thanks for your time mate ....I need once script that can show clip keyframes and enable time remapping on the track without having to click fx and then go through it ....thank you 💟

[@marvinmejares9219]

king is back

[@luboyanev]

I use another really powerful and much more simple software for creating macros, it is called Macro Toolworks. It allows to pretty much do the same operations using code like in auto hotkey, but it also has a graphical interface with explanations for all the commands. Some macros examples that I have created: - Pressing a button - adds an effect (Warp stabilizer, Custom Lumetri Color LUT, Invert, etc.) - Pressing a button - moves mouse to Scale property and clicks - Pressing a button - moves clip up to a video track above (or 2, or 3, tracks up) - Pressing a button - changes clip speed to 50% - Pressing a button - locks Audio track, or mutes Audio track, or solos Audio track - Ctrl+Shift+Mouse wheel - Zooms in/out on the program monitor The possibilities are endless, just much more user friendly than auto hotkey :)

[@randomusername852]

This is a fantastic video. I have one issue that I can't figure out. So it goes to the effects window, types out the preset, and then seems like it just moves to the very bottom right of my screen and clicks, it ends up showing the weather. I'm not sure what's going on.

[@miraculum9485]

Thanks

[@interestedErvini]

All 2 hours 14 minutes and 12 seconds of the videos watched, I'll take the new skills and hopefully be able to use them in future.

[@cyberneticwarmachine]

i hardly use my premiere to its potential. just cut and ripple stuff and drop a sat correction. But.... i do love me a Taran tutorial of 2 hours!:D

[@Ghosty4k]

2 hours to make autohotkeys? Damn premiere is something else.

[@AlexPotvin]

I just want a quantification of the time he's saved relative to the time he's spent doing all these things

[@maxmyzer9172]

will watch in morning its 2am

[@bbvenancio]

Taran, please. The ONLY thing i want to do for now is find a way for apply SCALE faster. How can i do it? Thanks in advance! EDIT: I made my own script to prompt what scale i want and others to help me edit A LOT FASTER. Thanks man!!!

[@alexmcbrearty253]

hey man i was wondering if you knew or if you could make a video on how to setup a 2nd keyboard that works with a sound board cheers

[@alastoralex4828]

Time stamps dont work because u dint start with 0:00

[@TaranVH]

thanks!

[@mitchstookey]

I am also a Vancouver-based editor who evangelizes Auto Hot Key for speeding up your editorial workflow and I love chess, which I now see you might also be into? Is this town big enough for the both of us?

[@adelali3612]

Thanks man, Others would put it under a paycheck wall. Also, Upload it to udemy or - patron so people can buy it and support you there

[@learntomake]

Could you make video how to use wacom tablet for editor .. I searched whole lot of video but didn't get as such.. if you possible please do

[@laurens_wmr]

Taran you are the best!!!

[@JCK_21]

2:08:08 why not run shell:startup ?

[@YetiFell]

Is you good mic broken? The noise floor is really bad in comparison to your other videos. Still great tutorial!

[@matthewpalmer9820]

YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS, YYYYYUUUUUSSSS!!!!!! A&HHHHHHHHHHHHHH PLEASE COME BACK AS OFTEB AS POSSIBLE

[@mortezazaki9030]

hey taran first Tnx for very helpful and pro Content. i wana make shortcut for enabling speedremaping clip in timeline but its not in shortcut panel can you help me to add shortcut for speedremaping on Clip in timeline? TNX

[@pillowism]

thank you so much, i made a makeshift version of your preset() function, but doesn't work as good or as fast as yours, thank you!

[@shaedensley7807]

I can't find Timeline, project, program monitor, effect controls, or effects under Application>window. It's almost like adobe removed everything under "find extensions on exchange...".

[@AnyFactor]

I went to your GitHub repo a couple of days ago to find the keyboard layout for Logitech K120. There is too much stuff and the git commit messages aren't helpful at all. Found your version of the layout but couldn't find a blank version.

[@munjee2]

Did linus finally force you into another vacation ?

[@blackburn1489]

1:21:09 Hm, I have one of your scripts that enables Hand Tool with MMB. And because of that playhead can be moved with MMB to, it you click MMB on the playhead

[@Fezpan]

Taran, what program are u using for record your screen? what program do u like?

[@TaranVH]

Shadowplay. If I don't have it, I use OBS

[@aadisahni]

Taran, the right click timeline mod that you created works fine but it makes the playhead stuttery. That is just the send playhead to cursor command making the playhead moving sttutery but I was wondering if there's a way for the ahk script to then hold left-click after right click

[@TaranVH]

Excellent suggestion! I have just such a thing planned. It will do so after it sees the exact COLOR of the playhead!

[@aadisahni]

@@TaranVH So it will find the coordinates of the mouse when the right click is pressed, find the playhead, drag it to the saved mouse location where the script started?

[@TaranVH]

@@aadisahni no. It'll send / And keep doing that until it sees the exact color of blue. Then it'll hold down left click instead.

[@aadisahni]

@@TaranVH ah I see

[@Thr0nSK]

@@TaranVH OMG YES! And the audio will play while scrubbing too!

[@doors_of_perspective]

50:23 - for some reason Premiere 2023 deleted the focus panel shortcuts. But you can just set them again and the scripts will work again.

[@World_of_OSes]

This video is in 1920x1200, exactly the same resolution as my monitor. I don't see that very often.

[@sangyoonsim]

Shouldn't this video included in AutoHotKey magic playlist?

[@mitchbannon8816]

I'm having trouble with the effect being dragged from the effects pannel to my timeline window, I run a triple monitor setup and my timeline panel is a seperate window on my third screen next to my scripts (might be weird for some but It makes it easier for me to make changes to the timeline this way). I know you mention that the effects panel needs to be on the same window as the timeline panel but do you think there is some sort of work around for this as it recognises the preset bin and effect fine it just doesn't seem to locate the previous mouse position, though I assume this is due to my timeline being on a seperate window all together. Thanks for the video anyhow, some really useful stuff for my workflow!

[@TaranVH]

It might be possible, using a global coordinate system rather than.. Like, app based. I don't know! Good luck!

[@mitchbannon8816]

@@TaranVH Good idea, thanks for the reply man!

[@iRoxerMedia]

​@@mitchbannon8816 Hey, did you find a solution to this?

[@mitchbannon8816]

@@iRoxerMedia haven't tried it myself yet mate, let me know if you have any luck

[@iRoxerMedia]

I have no idea why it suddenly doesn't confuse with the coordinates. But it works :D