Macro Recorder Software: 10 Free To Use in 2023
Spending endless hours performing repetitive tasks like transferring a large amount of data from an Excel spreadsheet to a database can be frustrating and time-consuming. However, with the help of macro software, you can automate such tasks effortlessly.
Macro software helps you automate repetitive tasks by recording keyboard and mouse actions. You may need to write a macro script, but the software can perform most tasks you require. You can find both free and paid versions.
Here is a list of the best macro recorder software to use in 2023. They have a clean interface and can record mouse keyboard inputs, and use command lines.
Best Free Macro Recorder Software For PC
1. Pulover’s Macro Creator – Best Macro Recorder Software overall
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developers: Pulover’s Macro Creator
Pulover’s Macro Creator is a free automation and script generator tool based on the AutoHotkey language. The software features many automation commands, a built-in recorder, and features to capture inputs in its interface.
You can execute the macros internally or export them to AutoHotkey Script format. The tool is easy to use, allowing you to compile scripts to EXE, repeat/loop playback, macro edit, and use hotkeys to start/stop recording/playback.
You can customize hotkeys, schedule, and speed up playback. The compiled executable macro merely uses up 1.2MB of memory when running and does not increase RAM usage when played repeatedly.
Download Pulover’s Macro Creator
2. Do It Again – Best for adjusting a recorded script
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: Spacetornado software
Do It Again is a small and effective software for creating programs that execute repetitive tasks. The software can check for new emails, run antivirus, and take a backup of your files once you record the activities using the tool.
Although it’s different compared to MacroDollar, WinMacro, and GhostMouse, Do It Again has an advantage, The list of macro recordings displayed in the program makes it convenient for users to run different tasks without manually loading the scripts to the program.
For advanced users, the recordings saved as a DIA extension stored in the program’s folder are in clear text format. You can actually edit the actions and reuse the scripts.
3. TinyTask – Best for turning recordings into standalone programs
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: Vista Software
TinyTask is a utility that lets you record keystrokes and mouse actions. It’s the smallest macro software with an impressive 33KB. It would be most suited for novice macro users who don’t know how to use a macro editor.
With that file size, you would expect a really simple application with only two functions: record and playback, but there is more than that. Besides providing easy access for automating playback or recording, you can use the software to create an EXE file.
Among gamers, TinyTask is the most commonly used auto-clicker. It records you performing some actions or series of tasks on your PC and plays it back. You don’t need to know how to code to use it.
4. Mouse Recorder – Setting a script to be played at a specific time using the calendar
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: Nemex Studios
Mouse Recorder is a utility tool for recording computer mouse and keyboard inputs. The program easily edits and sets the repeat time of your recordings. It can also play what you have been recording at the scheduled time you set.
The software has a built-in macro editor that allows you to add or remove events to fine-tune the actions’ accuracy. The software has user plugin support where you can code your own plugins using C# or Visual Basic .Net to manipulate your recording and playing script.
5. AutoIt – Best for speeding up your efficiency and finishing tasks faster
- Operating System: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: AutoIt Consulting Ltd.
AutoIt is a free BASIC-like scripting language used for automating tasks on the Windows GUI and general scripting. It automates activities through simulated mouse movements, keystrokes, and window/control manipulation, making it more reliable than other languages.
The software is self-contained, small, and can run on any version of Windows without any additional runtimes. Scripts created with AutoIt can be turned into a compressed and stand-alone executable that can run on computers without the AutoIt interpreter installed.
6. JitBit Macro Recorder – Powerful keyboard and mouse tracer
- Operating System: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: JitBit
JitBit allows you to record your mouse clicks, typing, and cursor movements on your screen for future use. It isn’t limited to just keyboard and mouse recording. With this tool, you can add your own custom statements and commands to your macros.
The software allows you to convert your macro into an EXE file that runs on any Windows-compatible computer. It has a user-friendly interface, and getting started is easy. You won’t have to spend hours reading instruction manuals.
7. GhostMouse – Best for playing keyboard/mouse actions in a loop
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: remouse.com
GhostMouse lets you automate and record a sequence of keystrokes and clicks on a Windows computer. It is more suitable for quick and short-term use but certainly not for automating repetitive tasks because there is no repeat or loop functionality.
It has the ability to perform a list of actions, such as turning off the computer on playback completion. Getting started with GhostMouse is easy. You just need to hit and start simulating the keyboard and mouse actions you will want the software to record.
8. Mini Mouse Macro – Best for actively recording your mouse movements, clicks, and keys
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: Stephen Turner
Mini Mouse Macro is an open-source macro software hosted at SourceForge. Besides the ability to record mouse & keyboard actions and looping/repeating playback, it also comes with a simple editor to add/remove/edit the captured actions.
The tool is perfect for users with little experience in macro software. Since no download is not needed, you can drop the executable file in a custom directory on the hard disk and click it to run.
You can also save the software in a flash drive or similar storage device to run it on your computer with minimum effort and no previous installers.
9. AutoHotKey – Best open-source scripting language tool for Windows
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: Chris Mallett
AutoHotKey is a free and open-source scripting language for Windows that allows users to create scripts to perform repetitive tasks. It comes with easy-to-learn commands for beginners and advanced code for experienced users.
You can use AutoHotKey to automate any desktop tasks, define hotkeys for the mouse and keyboard, remap keys and buttons, and find auto-correct-like replacements. Follow the available documentation to learn how to use the app.
10. Macro Commander – Best for recording and playing repetitive tasks
- Operating system: Windows
- Pricing: Free
- Developer: Softutils s.r.o
Marco Commander is a great tool for automating repetitive tasks, inserting text, paragraphs, and images into other applications, and creating scripts on demand. You can perform over 300 tasks using in-built commands, to manipulate files, folders, images, text, and network.
Build a macro in a full-featured editor supporting syntax highlighting and recording. If you don’t want to download the software on your PC, you can use the web version and record web macros. The program comes with heavy password protection features to protect your sensitive data.
How to choose the best macro recorder software
With numerous free macro recording tools available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are the critical factors to consider when choosing a free macro recording tool:
- Functionality: Consider the features offered by different macro recorder software. Look for essential capabilities such as recording, editing, and playback functions. Advanced features like variable manipulation, conditional statements, and loop controls can provide additional flexibility.
- User-Friendliness: A user-friendly interface makes the software accessible to users of all skill levels. Look for intuitive navigation, clear instructions, and visual elements that facilitate easy macro creation and management.
- Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system and the applications you intend to automate. Cross-platform compatibility is essential if you work on multiple devices or operating systems.
- Security: If you are dealing with sensitive data, prioritize software that offers secure encryption and password protection to safeguard your macros.
Final Thoughts
Macro recorder software is great for automating repetitive tasks and saving time. Our top pick provides easy-to-use features for beginners and advanced actions for more experienced users.
Regardless of which macro recorder software you choose, it can undoubtedly increase your productivity and efficiency. What do you think about the above tools? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Maybe the little tool ‘tiny task’ will fit in your list here as well.
By the way I love your audio device switcher list. I just tried the first one and it’s amazing. I have one headphone via bluetooth, one little box via bluetooth and also my cable headphones via soundcard, and i created 3 hotkeys and it works like a charm. It’s an intuitive tool and also unobtrusive. Love it. Thanks for the tips.
Seems to be the same tool as the TinyTask in our list, at #2.
I need a script that will run over a few websites and press a button every 30 minutes
I require a program to open a webpage in multiple google profiles and click one or two button within that site
Any info / advice would be apricated
Thanks
Software automation is the most need of today’s world, I need some extremely simple software that creates a backlink for me! please any one here who guide me!
I suggest to add also MOUSEKEY RECORDER in the list. It’s a free and powerful mouse and keyboard recorder for Windows
Mousekey Recorder isn’t free, you have to pay to get more than 15 repetitions, which makes it completely pointless.
Hi, why the program botmek is not listed ???
Try WinParrot from winparrot.com it is free since 2009
i need a simple software thac could entry 16 digit data from excel to web.
then the situation is, if the the digit more or less than 16 or doesnt match for the web entry, it wil be separated from the excel table..
any suggestion for me?
With Excel you can check the data conditions that you are mentioning and if the data is correct, then you place the correct information in another column. Once that column ins filled with correct data, minimouse will take that data cell by cell and use it as web entry. Is something really simple
alt + f11, then f1.
Repetitive tasks arise during the day randomly, I need a macro recorder that is continuosly recording and with IA to detect when one task can be repeated automatically.
Jurij Fedorov, it is very simple. For example, I will show you how to record the text bellow into the key 1.
Whenever you press CTRL SHIFT 1, will show this text:
NOW YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THAT
1. Execute CMD (command prompt) in administration mode.
2. Create the file 1.txt with the text NOW YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THAT inside:
– type this: copy con 1.txt and press ENTER
– type this: NOW YOU KNOW HOW TO DO THAT and press ENTER
– press key F6
3. Create file 1.bat:
– type this: copy con 1.bat and press ENTER
– type this: type 1.txt | clip
– press key F6
4. Create a shortcut on your desktop to the file 1.bat. Example, if you file 1.bat is on c:\, then create a shortcut on your desktop to the file c:\1.bat
Finally, click the shortcut with the right button of the mouse, clin on properties, and then create the CTRL SHIFT 1 shorcut
I need some extremely simple software. I need to write text in the software itself and then when I click a button on my keyboard that text needs to be written. Then I will use 2 buttons for 2 different lines of text. Can’t seem to find this anywhere besides in the $5 Typer MurGee.
You can do it with ShortKeeper (freeware)
I use AlomWare Actions alomware.com/actions.htm for typing text and moving the mouse, mainly because it also does app launching and window management too (setting windows on top, transparent, and such).
Agreed that Anthony Mathews Macromaker is the best of the lot. I used it for years on XP and Win 7 to automate everything except for washing the dishes and flushing the toilet. But does anyone know how to make it work on Win 10?
Anthony Matthews’ MacroMaker is still the best and most powerful macro utility IMHO:
members.ij.net/anthonymathews/Macromaker.htm
A new addition to the list is UiPath Studio. The Community Edition is FREE with lots of features for screen scraping, web and desktop automation and macro recording: uipath.com/automate/macro-recorder
What do you think about UiPath? It’s free for individual users: uipath.com/automate/macro-recorder
Very Good article ! just WinParrot a new free software is missing…
I downloaded MiniMouse. The interface was reasonable but it wouldn’t let me escape playback by pressing Escape. Talk about a DUH feature. It wants instead for me to press Alt+F6. OMG yeah the macro is effing everything up I’ll just take five minutes to look up that… oh nm too late everything is gone. Idiots. I’m a programming and I once programmed a working app that wasn’t so ridiculous. You could make the shortcuts as ANY key you wanted, and why not? I wish I knew what I did with that.
Hey James. I’m reading your post and I have to say I totally disagree with you. You say ‘escape’ should be stop…what if I want to record Escape in my macro? So according to you I wouldnt be able to, it would stop recording. With Mini Mouse Macro you can define your keys to stop recording. So say your a ‘programming’, and you have created apps…it sounds like you do not know what you are talking about.
AutomatemyTasks also works great. worth giving a try
automatemytasks.weebly.com/
excellent report, nicely done from 8+ years away
I think WeeScript Automation should also be a very good look
Wow, I went through four of these before finding Mouse Recorder Premium 1.0.46. While searching for reviews of Mouse Recorder Pro, I accidentally starting reading reviews for Mouse Recorder Premium.
Mouse Recorder Premium (MPR) optimizes mouse movement automatically! When you record a macro, it automatically streamlines your mouse movements. No more editing 16,000 lines of “move” events like Mini Mouse or Pulover’s ! You can wave the mouse around during recording and then click somewhere and the excess mouse movement is automatically reduced to point to point events. (You can probably tell I was stunned – and very pleased.)
Yes, MPR is free and easy to use. It can do sophisticated other things like finding a certain color or waiting for a web page to load,,, (I don’t use the advanced features) and it actually has step-by-step documentation that got me started right away.
Watch the video at mouserecorder.com and I think you will be as surprised as I was.
I am not associated in any way with anyone at mouserecorder.com (written by a German group) but I really do like the mouse optimization. I know this sounds like an ad – but after loading and trying four other recorders, this was a breath of fresh air…
I am a software engineer and multiple tasks are always a headache for me but after I tried these utilities I shocked! Multiple task run properly and memory management is also very good… very good utility guys…
Perform Repetitive Tasks awesome utility …. saving of time and well time management tool ……
Can anybody advise about the best automation software to open up hundreds of “Load more comments” link on a long reddit post?
For example,
reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/2af81r/what_about_sex_did_you_not_know_about_until_it/
So far , I have tried some of the recommendations here and also 4 other softwares I have found:
None of them works.
Thanks a million.
I use the FREE Clicky Mouse from Macro Toolworks for my enviroment.
Macros by Mouse Actions:
macrotoolworks.com/index.php/en/macro-automation-software/clickymouse-click-automation
Wow! This is the hands-down BEST article of its type, on this subject, that I’ve read…
…and, trust me, I’ve read a bunch. Thank you, Raymond!
__________________________________
Gregg L. DesElms
Napa, California USA
gregg at greggdeselms dot com
Veritas nihil veretur nisi abscondi.
Veritas nimium altercando amittitur.
Thanks a lot dear Raymond for this post
Once upon a time… Well, I don’t really understand Microsoft. Why does their evolution also mean a mandatory devolution too? Win 3.11 had a macro editor, a clipbook and some other programs and functions that were lost in time… I guess the XP was an accident, they probably fired the team that made it almost fully functional. Since then, every new version is fancyer, but somehow dumber.
awesome stuff and really useful
Wow, I love Do It Again. I work with computer mainentance and to install Windows, all the softwares and updates take a very long time. Besides, all my tries with NLite, Almeza, etc. were failed. Hope it’s as good as I imagine…
what happens if you know little or no script language??
i learning some Qbasic programing in school now, but it won’t help much…(at least that’s what i think….)
that was quite good but you still need to have good hold on coding then only this is going to benefit you
Ok Raymond, I’ll send it tomorrow, because I’ve installed the software in my work Pc. Thanks, so much!!! \o/
Autoit is much more than just a macro generator, it has become a real programming language now. Supporting network communication,dll imports, gui,string manipulation and much more. I have used it for countless projects that had nothing to do with macros, and if you check the forums you can see the true power of this language.
This was good to do work much easier and faster, but still you need to have some good knowledge of coding. If you are not ready to shed money, just go and do coding…
MR7, Frank did not reply my email. Can you contact me and give me your username for PowerShadow to generate your serial number?
Never thought about this, will give a shot…