SendKeys Function

Simulates a sequence of key strokes.

Important: The SendKeys() function does not work on 64-bit versions of the Windows operating system.

Syntax

SendKeys sequence;

Parameters

sequence

The sequence of keys strokes to be simulated. A literal string value, message tagname, or string expression.

In addition to regular characters on the keyboard (such as alphanumeric characters) you can also specify control keys as a code:

{BACKSPACE} - Simulates the Backspace key

{BREAK} - Simulates the Break key

{CAPSLOCK} - Simulates the Caps Lock key

{DELETE} - Simulates the Delete key (or {DEL})

{DOWN} - Simulates Arrow Down key

{END} - Simulates the End key

{ENTER} - Simulates the Enter key (or ~)

{ESCAPE} - Simulates the ESC key (or {ESC})

{F1} .. {F12} - Simulate the F1 .. F12 keys

{HOME} - Simulates the Home key

{INSERT} - Simulates the Insert key

{LEFT} - Simulates the Arrow Left key

{NUMLOCK} - Simulates the Num Lock key

{PGDN} - Simulates the Page Down Key

{PGUP} - Simulates the Page Up key

{PRTSC} - Simulates the Print Screen key

{RIGHT} - Simulates the Arrow Right key

{TAB} - Simulates the Tab key

{UP} - Simulates the Up key

+ - Simulates the Shift key
use with parenthesis surrounding the key(s) you want to press in combination with the Shift key.

^ - Simulates the Ctrl key
use with parenthesis surrounding the key(s) you want to press in combination with the Ctrl key.

% - Simulates the Alt key
use with parenthesis surrounding the key(s) you want to press in combination with the Alt key.

Remarks

Use the StartApp and/or ActivateApp() commands to activate another application before sending simulated keys strokes to it.

Example(s)

This script simulates pressing the B key.

SendKeys "b";

This script simulates pressing the key combination Ctrl and P, which can be used to initiate the Printing dialog box in another application.

SendKeys "^(p)";

This script simulates pressing F1 (which may open the help function), pressing the Tab key (which may place the cursor in a search field), entering HAL, and pressing the Enter key (which may initiate the search).

SendKeys "{F1}{TAB}HAL{ENTER}";

This script simulates pressing Ctrl, Shift and the key 1, which is the same as switching to WindowMaker. This powerful combination can be used for developing self-modifying (dynamic) InTouch HMI applications.

SendKeys "^(+(1))";