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Pause and Wait for User Hotkey Press (Wait Hotkey) in RunMacro

Applies to: RunMacro 3.x • Updated September 2026

Wait Hotkey pauses automated workflow execution until a physical keyboard shortcut is pressed, enabling seamless Human-in-the-loop automation.

Prerequisites#

Physical keyboard is connected and operational under Windows.

Supported modes#

Desktop Mode — Listens for physical keystrokes via safe Windows low-level keyboard hooks.
Browser Mode — Operates concurrently alongside active browser automation sessions.
RunMacro Runner — Enables operator interaction when executing standalone QMacro packages.

What it does#

The Wait Hotkey command pauses macro execution and listens globally for a specific physical keypress event (such as Enter, F9, Space, Esc, or any alphanumeric key). As soon as the key is pressed, execution resumes immediately. This enables seamless Human-in-the-loop workflows: the robot automates initial setup, pauses for manual review or manual captcha completion, and resumes instantly upon the user's keystroke.

Screenshots & video#

RunMacro Wait Hotkey command configuration dialog showing parameter fields — Configuration dialog and parameter fields for the Wait Hotkey command in RunMacro.

When to use it#

Pausing to let the operator type an SMS OTP code or solve a complex visual captcha manually.
Pausing for user verification of sensitive transaction details before clicking 'Submit'.
Synchronizing multi-stage interactive workflows requiring operator confirmation between stages.
Waiting for an operator to position windows or complete two-factor authentication manually.

When not to use it#

Simulating keystrokes into input fields (use Type Text or Key Press).
Fixed idle duration pause without human interaction (use Delay).

Configuration steps#

In RunMacro, open the Keyboard › Wait Hotkey command.
In Hotkey, select or type the target key name (e.g. enter, f9, space).
Set the Timeout (ms) (enter 0 to wait indefinitely until the key is pressed).
Click Save to insert the command into the workflow.

Every option explained#

`Hotkey`#

Name of the target physical key to listen for: enter, space, f1–f12, esc, tab, or alphanumeric characters.

`Timeout (ms)`#

Maximum duration in milliseconds to await the keypress. Enter 0 to wait indefinitely.

Expected result#

Workflow execution resumes seamlessly the instant the designated key is pressed.

Real example#

Example: Pause for manual captcha solving and resume on F9#

Workflow fills username and password fields automatically.
Display a Show Message notice: 'Please solve captcha then press F9'.
Insert a Wait Hotkey command configured for key f9 with timeout 0.
User solves captcha and presses F9 on their keyboard.
RunMacro detects the F9 event and clicks 'Login' to proceed with the remaining workflow.

Limitations and failure cases#

If the foreground window runs as Administrator while RunMacro runs standard, Windows security may isolate hotkey hooks.

Tips & common mistakes#

Prefer function keys such as F9 or F10 over common typing keys to prevent accidental trigger while typing text.

Keyboard listener hooks are automatically unhooked and released when the key is detected or if the macro is stopped.

Verification details#

commands/wait.py · verified 2026-09-30

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