Function Keys to type text into current active window

[drbob001]

Hello to all...

So, I have a problem and I could use some advice.

Problem:  I had a couple of strokes that reduced my ability to type @ 120 WPM to single finger typing.  That sucks, but I still have "things to do".

I'm looking for a solution that would help me improve my situation.  In short, for example, I routinely have to type my UID and PW into various screens including SSH.  We'll call that the active window (yeah, operating a mouse is also interesting).  I'd like to remap my function keys 1-12 so I can be in the active window and hit the appropriate function key to type "password" and enter.  I figure that if I can do this I can make labels to put above the function keys and streamline input to get logged in.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Danp2]

Not exactly what you were requesting, but this is what I do.

• I use a password manager (Bitwarden) that has a hotkey I can press to fill matching user IDs & passwords
• PhraseExpress allows you to assign hotkeys to specific phrases

[drbob001]

I'll take a look at PhraseExpress - it might be a doable solution if I can attach Fkeys to 'phrases' - in my case, 10-24 character strings with odd characters.  An offsite password manager is out for me.  Thanks!

[Danp2]

You always have the option to self-host the password manager.

[Nine]

If you feel like doing a bit a programming, you could create an ini file that would associate the hotkeys with the phrases you want.  And use HotKeySet to Send the phrase.  Not very complex script IMO.

[drbob001]

Danp2 - I'll look into self-hosting the password manager - wondering how that would work with multiple devices, cell phone, tablet so I can deploy the solution across them.

I wouldn't have so much of an issue but I've had to remediate a couple of companies that used PWM's which were compromised - and the ensuing sh*tstorms which followed.

[drbob001]

Nine - the ini wouldn't be a problem and could be replicated to my main machines...  I'd probably be looking guidance on the AutoIt side so I can ensure it works properly, but this may be an option.

I was surprised that I didn't find an application out there that would do exactly this job.

[Nine]

@drbob001 Here to get you started :

#include <Array.au3>
#include <Constants.au3>

Opt("MustDeclareVars", True)

HotKeySet("{ESC}", Terminate)

Global $aKey = IniReadSection("Test.ini", "Keys")
;_ArrayDisplay($aKey)

For $i = 1 To $aKey[0][0]
  If Not HotKeySet($aKey[$i][0], SendPhrase) Then Exit MsgBox($MB_OK, "Error", "Invalid key set")
Next

While Sleep(100)
WEnd

Func SendPhrase()
  For $i = 1 To $aKey[0][0]
    If $aKey[$i][0] = @HotKeyPressed Then Return Send($aKey[$i][1])
  Next
EndFunc

Func Terminate()
  Exit
EndFunc

An example of the ini file :Test.ini

[drbob001]

11 hours ago, Nine said:

@drbob001 Here to get you started :

 

I will give this a try and see how it works out - it looks like a start to, hopefully, solving this problem.  Thanks!

Edited June 1, 2023 by Jos
move comment out of the quoted text.