Need a program for using shortcut keys to switch between specific programs

Use an AutoHotkey script that employs WinActivate:

!c::
SetTitleMatchMode, 2
IfWinExist, Chrome 
{
    WinActivate 
    return
}
!d::
SetTitleMatchMode, 2
IfWinExist, Dreamweaver 
{
    WinActivate 
    return
}
!p::
SetTitleMatchMode, 2
IfWinExist, Photoshop 
{
    WinActivate 
    return
}

Karan

Posted 2013-02-10T10:30:43.550

Reputation: 51 857

1Good answer. In addition you have the option of adding an else statement to each IF statement to open the program if it isn't open already. – David – 2013-02-12T14:31:27.403

@Jikag: Yes, if that's required then Run can be used with an ELSE added to each IF. Of course, besides the above just as in Win7 in Win8 too Windows Key+Number Key (1-9) will switch to desktop mode and make the Nth application on the taskbar active (where 1 is the leftmost). Obviously different apps will occupy different slots each time based on their order of execution though, whereas the script above won't be affected by this.

– Karan – 2013-02-12T14:37:31.077

Another good point, though if you want to make the programs occupy the same position every time, you can open a program, right click on it and choose "pin to taskbar" – David – 2013-02-12T15:03:29.170

@Jikag: Ah yes, forgot about pinned shortcuts retaining their positions! – Karan – 2013-02-12T15:05:51.570

what should happen to key-strokes/shortcuts that already use those combinations? eg Ctrl-P is 'Print' mostly, and Ctrl-C for Chrome will break more than it fixes. Alt-<key> keystrokes get used by menus and widgets on screen. Alt-tab (and Alt-Shift-Tab) is the easiest way to do this stuff. – mcalex – 2013-02-10T10:34:19.550

I want to go directly to a specific program :/ – misima – 2013-02-10T10:36:52.143

Which version of Windows? – Dennis – 2013-02-10T12:30:57.647

I'm useing Windows 8 – misima – 2013-02-10T16:30:38.053

AutoHotkey is prefect for me... Thenk you Karan :)... if do u you want add as answer. – misima – 2013-02-11T23:45:54.480

Need a program for using shortcut keys to switch between specific programs

Answers