How to create keyboard and mouse macros without original software

We have seen how to create macros on peripherals with software from SteelSeries, Logitech, Corsair and Razer. This is all very well, but what do we do if our keyboard and mouse do not include a program for this purpose? Well, as there is always a broken for a rip, that's what we're here for today.

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Usefulness of macros

Giving wax and polishing wax in a game of Fortnite feels divinely, but that is not the only utility that we can extract from the fact of creating macros. Video games may be its most well-known facet, but designers, artists and animators can extract from its use equally useful functions in a work environment:

Add the opening of a program to a button or buttons (Discord, for example). Facilitate additional editing shortcuts in programs like Photoshop. Programmed multimedia commands or timers (radio, Spotify). Create macros for games (obviously).

The problem comes as we well know when the mouse and keyboard we are dealing with is a basic model that does not have a configuration program or anything similar to it. Creating macros in this situation seems impossible from the start, but

do not despair. Currently there are solutions for everything and could not miss third-party programs to create commands and actions when neither our keyboard or mouse bring it by default. You can't say we don't take care of you, huh? Here are some alternatives:

Perfect Automation

This is a very powerful macro software that includes a text editor, task manager, program launcher and, of course, macro recording for both mouse and keyboard. The programming language used in Perfect Automation is Gentee (open source) that leaves wide sleeves for those users willing to experiment.

This program allows recording the movements and actions of the mouse on the screen within the active window, so that we can create specific models for each application. By default Perfect Automation provides more than a hundred automated operations ready to assign to any button we need.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Free software Very simple interface Able to record movements and mouse actions on screen Includes text editor Incorporates more than one hundred operations by default

MacroMaker Software

A simple and direct program, just as its name suggests. MacroMaker is software that allows you to record sequences of events to create macros in Windows. Both keystrokes and mouse movements have a place in this program, as well as the activation of windows, their positions and sizes.

When we configure a macro we can specify the repetition time, speed and sensitivity of the mouse, among other aspects. It is very affordable software for less knowledgeable users of the programming world, although models can also be created for specific programs or games.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Free software Very simple interface

Pulover's Macro Creator

This software is based on the AutoHotkey language, a feature that it shares with AutoIT in this list. Pulover's Macro Creator is easy to use in its most basic functions but it also has loop repeats, macro editor, start / stop shortcuts and customization.

In general, its main advantage is that it is a balanced software that allows comfortable accessibility and understanding for beginners, while having potential for more advanced users.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Free software Functional interface, versatile software

Macro Toolworks

A program with a more complete and user-friendly interface, Macro Toolworks Free has three different editions: Free, Standard and Professional. It has the ability to automate up to one hundred different macros of all kinds.

With this program we can record specific key sequences, send emails, Windows commands, send emails… The most elaborate options as you can imagine are only available in the paid versions, but the keyboard and mouse macros are already available in Macro Toolworks Free by default. Later we can adjust them through the editor and assign keyboard shortcuts for their activation.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Three software versions: Free (free), Standard and Professional (for a fee) Modern and functional interface The basic version includes everything you need to create macros

FastFox

FastFox is something like an improved version of MacroMaker. It offers key mapping options in addition to macros and can be adapted according to the active program in the main window.

Having more customization options gives you enhanced versatility, but also a more complex menu to familiarize yourself with. The final result, however, is very efficient and although it is not compatible with Linux, we can use it on a Mac.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows, Mac OS Language: English Free basic software, paid expansion Recognizes the program open in the main window Versatile software: keyboard shortcuts, macros, autocomplete Aimed at advanced users in programming

Macro Dollar

This is quite old software (more than ten years old) but it stands out for its simple, clear and direct interface. Macro Dollar is prepared to record both mouse and keyboard actions of any type, so that technically we can consider it a program to create macros.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Free software Ready to create mouse and keyboard macros Minimalist and simple interface

AutoIT

AutoIT is a software created by SciTe. Its mission is to automate the Windows GUI (graphical interface) with a writing language. It does this by using a combination of key activation, mouse tracking, and Windows OS control.

The fact that it has an internal code editor is a big plus for more advanced users and programmers, but for those less skilled in the field, the program can be a bit overwhelming. It is for this reason that the software itself incorporates a slightly more accessible lite version.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Free software Integrated code editor Versions of x32 and x64 bits Versatile software: not only for macros Oriented to advanced users in programming

In general it is a program that offers many possibilities. It is more aimed at programmers than ordinary users looking to create simple macro functions. It is for this reason that it is not our first recommendation given the complexity that its correct handling requires.

Mouse Recorder Pro

The first specific program for mouse macros on our list, with a small and simple interface that hides great potential. Mouse Recorder Pro is indeed very easy to use and configure since it responds to five main commands: New, Record, Play, Save and Load.

This program expresses both the mouse position on the screen and the milliseconds of click activation. All this configurable within the Editor or Advanced Options tab.

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English Free software Integrated editor Very easy to use

Mini Mouse Macro

This software comes from Turnssoft. Mini Mouse Macro is a free program with which we can create keyboard and mouse macros in order to automate tasks and streamline editing processes. Its functions range from applications for graphic tasks, office automation and gaming.

What makes it different from other programs is that it has tracking of mouse movements, pressed keys and screen clicks. Additionally, it allows us to save our macros on the PC or import pre-existing profiles.

Aspects of interest:

Compatible Operating System: Windows, Linux, Mac OS (unconfirmed) Language: English Free software, it has a paid PRO edition No installation required Options for looped macros Saves and imports macros Tracking the position of the pointer on the screen

Mouse Manager

A also free program created by Reality Ripple Software much more basic than Mini Mouse Macro. Its only function is to assign functions to the secondary buttons of our mouse.

Basically Mouse Manager acts in a way that buttons already present on the keyboard are assigned to give them a new function when used on the mouse, such as Ctrl + Alt + Del or Ctrl + C.

This application is specifically geared towards mouse buttons 4 and 5 (side assistants) and assigning functions to them. This means that technically we can not only assign specific keys, but also keyboard executable macros.

Compatible Operating System: Windows Language: English (free), multilingual (Advanced) Free software, has paid Advanced edition Assigns mouse buttons to keyboard commands Saves and imports macros Various active profiles It is an executable program

Conclusions on software to create macros

As we have seen, fortunately for all the offer of programs available for our peripherals that do not incorporate them is varied. Something that can be problematic for some users is the fact that all of these programs for recording and creating macros are in English.

On the positive side, almost all of it works on Windows and has a free version. Those that present a simpler interface are the ones we recommend to get you started on the adventures of creating macros on your mouse and keyboard, especially if you don't have a good command of the language. Many have a very intuitive structure and this can help you navigate through their menus.

You may also be interested in: Programs to reassign keys in Windows 10

Although there are more alternatives hanging around the net, these are our recommendations for both new and advanced users. But what programs do you use? Do you have any suggestion to add to the list? Leave it to us in comments.