Easy Guide: Warcraft 3 Reforged Customkeys Download (2020)

Warcraft 3 Reforged Customkeys Download: Easy Guide (2020)

On this page you can find the definite solution how to use Customkeys + Item hotkeys for Warcraft 3 Reforged and Dota 1.

While many different tools exist to use hotkeys for WC3 and Dota 1, the most are broken, so I created this ultimate resource: This article is the only resource you will ever need. 😉

It basically works the same for classic WC3 and for Reforged.

Let’s start: You should be able to setup everything in under 5 minutes!

Ultimate Warcraft 3 Customkeys Guide

Chapter 1: Why do I need Customkeys
for Warcraft 3?

Everyone is talking about these Warcraft 3 custom hotkeys! But what are you able to do with WC3 Customkeys and why are they important at all?

Let’s put some light on this question and highlight the real game-changing benefits you can gain to improve your skill, APM and overall flexibility in Dota 1 and Warcraft 3!

What are WC3 Customkeys

What are Warcraft 3 Customkeys?

Yes Customkeys are key to victory! But hey first of all, for all new players and to shut down any confusion: What are Customkeys for WC3?

Custom hotkeys change the key that you need to press for a specific spell, build or command in Warcraft 3 to the desired location, whether it’s on your keyboard, numpad or even a numerous key on your gaming mouse (new gaming mouses often got 5-10 extra keys!) 😉

These Customkeys can be a small tool, script or text file called Customkeys.txt that has to be placed in the Warcraft 3 files to make it running! Unfortunately, the Warcraft textfile is not capable of switching item hotkeys, but the cool thing is: This guide helps you to make this happen! 😉

Why Customkeys are important in Warcraft 3?

You need it because the standard warcraft 3 hotkeys are spread all over the keyboard, for example: with a human worker “build” is on b and “lumber mill” is on l – this makes it really hard to play games on a high level!

Unfortunately, our good old lovely Warcraft 3 does not have any smart solution to edit these internally inside the game. But because of the high request of Warcraft 3 ladder players and Dota 1 gamers, tons of solutions grew up to exactly match this issue! Help is here guys, enjoy! 😉

Update: For Reforged it’s the same, you can use the grid layout ingame, but you still can use your own Customkeys.txt which gives you much more options for customization.

Chapter 2: Which Customkeys
options do I have?

Warcraft 3 is really old and the most Customkeys options are an addon, software or tool.

The problem here is that they always act in the grey zone and it’s important that Blizzard is not treating the tool as a hack. But by updating their policy and compatibility with each patch, these tools often stop working. Check the table to make the right choice! 😉

Customkeys Options and Tools

List of all Warcraft 3 Customkeys Options:

So what you will get here, is a list of all hotkey tools that are available. Some are outdated and will not work fluently anymore with the new Warcraft 3 Patches.

I recommend to use the solution in Chapter 3, that means a Customkeys.txt ready to download file in combination with an AHK (Autohotkey Tool) script for the item hotkeys. That’s easy! 😉

For everyone else who want to discover the old library, here are all the Warcraft 3 hotkey tools I have ever added in the past years:

WC3 Hotkey Tools I recommend nowadays:

AutoHotkey + CustomkeysRecommended Go to Chapter 3
WarkeysOnly recommended for some cases
QWER Hotkeys (old)Not recommended anymore
YXCV Hotkeys (old)Not recommended anymore
QWER for Dota (old)Not recommended anymore
RGC WarkeysNot recommended anymore
KeycraftNot recommended anymore
Config.Dota file (QWER)Not recommended anymore
Dota Hotkeys (Inventory Hotkeys)Not recommended anymore
Wc3isk2 (Inventory Hotkeys)Not recommended anymore
Dota Allstars Editor (for config.Dota)Not recommended anymore
AucT Hotkeys Tool (Multi Key Bind)Not recommended anymore
Dota Customkey Web App (external link)Not recommended anymore

Chapter 3: Step by Step Customkey + Itemkey Installation

Now let’s start with the solution that really works!

You have two options one super simple customkeys copy for perfect keys (solution 1) or customkeys+item hotkeys (solution 2).

I recommend the second solution, so that you get the perfect setup for your game. 😉

Customkeys Solution

Solution 1:
Simple Customkeys.txt Download

QWER Customkeys for Warcraft 3
Steps you need to do:

  • Download a Customkeys.txt file:

    Warcraft 3 Customkeys.txt Download:

    Warcraft 3 Reforged Customkeys (QWEASZ)English bestDownload
    Warcraft 3 Reforged Customkeys (QWER)GermanDownload
    Warcraft 3 Reforged Customkeys (AZEQSW)FrenchDownload

    Dota 1 Customkeys.txt Download:

    Dota 1 Customkeys (QWEASZ)EnglishDownload
  • Place the Customkeys into the correct Warcraft 3 path:

    For WC3 Reforged:
    C:\Users\username\Documents\Warcraft III Beta\CustomKeyBindings

    For WC3 Reforged (OneDrive users):
    C:\Users\username\OneDrive\Documents\Warcraft III Beta\CustomKeyBindings

    For Classic WC3
    Way #1:
    Just copy the Customkeys.txt file into:
    C:/Documents/Warcraft-III/CustomkeyBindings
    Warcraft 3 Hotkeys Installation

    Way #2:
    Copy the Customkeys.txt file into:
    C:/Programs/Warcraft-III
    WC3 Customkey Guide - How to Install

  • Check the box inside the Warcraft 3 Reforged gameplay settings.
    WC3 Reforged Customkeys Guide

    For Classic WC3
    Customkeys.txt Warcraft 3 Settings
  • That’s it! Restart Warcraft 3 and test the Customkeys in a custom game! 😉

Tip: Whenever a new Warcraft 3 Reforged patch gets released, check if your Customkeys are still working. You can find a list of all WC3 Reforged patches here.

Solution 2:
Customkeys + Item Hotkeys
for Warcraft 3 / Dota 1:

To get the full control over all hotkeys in Warcraft 3 a supporting tool is necessary to bring all modern features into the game. With Autohotkey any combination can be switched and configurated. Follow the steps below to simply set up Warcraft 3 item hotkeys.

  • First of all complete solution 1 to profit from the basic Warcraft 3 customkeys. Then you are ready to add item hotkeys.
  • Now download the AutoHotkey tool for Warcraft 3 here:
    Warcraft 3 AutoHotkey ToolFilesize: 2.9 MBDownload
  • Unzip the AHK tool and install the software on your computer.
  • Now you need a Warcraft 3 AHK script:

    Warcraft 3 Customkeys AHK File Download:

    Warcraft 3 Inventory Hotkeys (Items on F1-F6)my favoriteDownload
    Warcraft 3 Inventory Hotkeys (Items on TYGHBN)Download
    Warcraft 3 Inventory Hotkeys (Items on ALT+QWEASD)Download
  • Download your desired AHK script (I recommend the first one, which places all items on F1 – F6). Now copy the AHK script into your Warcraft 3 folder. That’s it! Now run the script with the AHK tool (it can help to right click “run as admin”).Run the Warcraft 3 AHK Item Hotkeys
  • Launch/Restart Warcraft 3 and test your new WC3 item hotkeys! Tip: Use the Warcraft 3 Cheats “warpten” to build fast and “whoisyourdaddy” to creep/level fast. Like that you can easily test the item hotkeys in a single player match!Warcraft 3 Item Hotkeys
  • Extra Tip: Create a Shortcut on your desktop, so you don’t have to move to your WC3 folder everytime. Place it next to your Warcraft 3 launch button, so you will never forget to activate the item hotkeys. I also found this windows startup tutorial (external) to that you can add the AHK script to the windows autostart (it will be active automatically). 😉

That’s everything you need! For questions comment below and if you need more commands for the AHK scripts, read on! 😉

Chapter 4: How can I make changes to the
Warcraft 3 Hotkeys and Item Keys?

Now you have learned how to make an easy setup for the Warcraft 3 unit & spell keys as well as item hotkeys.

If you want to make changes to single keys you can use the following tips & tricks!

How to change WC3 Hotkeys

1. How to Change Single Hotkeys in the Customkeys.txt File?

I do not recommend doing this, it would be against the pattern: If everything is simply based on QWER-ASDF-YXCV why would you change something?

It’s better to let it how it is, to profit from the files we provide, so that they will always be the same if we update them and you download them again. 😉

If you still want to make single changes, for example to change they key for moving/surround, I recommend to use one of the tools from above like Warkeys.
While Warkeys and the other tools nowadays sometimes produce error codes, a simple setup of a QWER pattern is quite simple and can be done in 2 minutes.

  • Just install Warkeys from chapter 2, run it, and create your desired pattern: Warcraft Hotkey Pattern QWER
  • Now you can make single changes, for example changing move/surround from z to g. To do this just double click the move key and click g. Hotkey Guide
  • Finally just click the button “Save to Customkeys.txt” and replace the file in your Warcraft 3 path. That’s it! 😉

2. How to change Single
Inventory Hotkeys in the AHK File?

Having the item slots on specific keys on the mouse or keyboard is an often requested question! It’s super easy to do, just follow these 3 steps:

  • Rightclick on the AHK file you downloaded and click edit script.
    How to edit WC3 Item Keys
  • Now locate where the item hotkeys are written down: Scroll down to where it says “Inventory Keys”:
    AHK Inventory Keys
  • Now make the change: For example you want Item slot 1 to be on your “mousebutton-4” or on “^”. To do this change both “F1” values to the new value “^”. That’s it! Now you can save it, run the script, restart WC3 and test the inventory hotkey! 😉
    New WC3 inventory keys

Chapter 5: Are there more Options or Quick Commands?

You want even more? 😀

The Autohotkey tool with the AHK scripts is incredibly powerful and can be even extended to set everything you want inside Warcraft 3 on binds!

Simplify your daily WC3 experience and get faster in everything!

More options and WC3 commands

Extra Warcraft 3 Commands
for the Autohotkey Tool:

  • Profit from cool quick messages, which are improving your gameplay especially for Dota 1, for example if you want to report a missing hero on your lane! 😉
    Quick Messages for Dota 1
  • Swapping CTRL with spacebar can be useful for some people. 🙂 Copy the following code and and place it at the end of the AHK script:
    Xbutton2::Numpad7 <--(extra mouse button) MButton::Tab <--(middle mouse button) Space::Ctrl (just read the last few lines of the script)
  • Research any action in Warcraft 3 that can be done automatically and bind it on a key. Just to give some inspiration: Opening Battle.net profiles, checking stats, pinging yourself, changing chat-channels and much more! 😉
  • Combo-Casts: Is it possible to put 2-3 spells on one hotkey? Example: Click mousebutton 4 and your mountainking uses stomp, storm hammer and a mana potion at the same time.
    It is possible, but I would not recommend it, because it could be reviewed as an unwanted advantage compared to the enemy by blizzard or the platform you are playing on. It's definitely possible if you want to try it.

That's it, Warcraft 3 friends! I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, if you have any feedback, improvements or questions, I am happy to see your comments! 🙂

And you know what? Once Warcraft 3 Reforged is out, hopefully setting up hotkeys will be much easier (it will be inside the Warcraft 3 client). This will change our life! 😉

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
69 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
noshad
noshad
1 year ago

this so wrong I just want a simple easy just to only have a key(that I choose) for my invetories that’s all!! this will change every thing even building farm or altar or Barak and …

No One
No One
1 year ago
Reply to  noshad

Lmao you’re just a lazy fuck. Spend 10 mins of your life learning the tool and stop crying

SadMacMan
SadMacMan
2 years ago

what about for mac users

lmcpyp
lmcpyp
2 years ago

inventory settings for macosx

sewiss321@gmail.com
sewiss321@gmail.com
2 years ago
boiz
boiz
2 years ago

if i left click another thing like creep, it wont change back to heroes and i have to left click to my hero again. Any solution please?

Benoit
Benoit
2 years ago

first game I do I pick the q spell of legion commander in dota and the hotkey become Z as the spell is on the bottom right wtff??? fuck this shitty hotkey

humza
humza
2 years ago

i did everything as explained but last but inventory keybind is not working I’m playing on 1.27b warcraft client no matter what I do it doesn’t change to different keybinds same as always on numpad 7,8,4,5,1,2
pls help

KenaSc4m
KenaSc4m
2 years ago
Reply to  humza

Same issue as well. It seems like doesnt supporting 1.27 Warcraft TFT

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  humza

Just use autohotkey instead programs.

zanky
zanky
2 years ago
Reply to  humza

right click the wc3_F1F6-inventory.ahk, then edit script
find this line bellow
#ifWinActive ahk_class ((WarcraftIII)|(OsWindow)|(Qt5QWindowIcon))

either delete those line or put ;; in front of the line
;;#ifWinActive ahk_class ((WarcraftIII)|(OsWindow)|(Qt5QWindowIcon))

I found out those command somehow prevent some other.

zanky
zanky
2 years ago
Reply to  humza

right click wc3_F1F6-inventory.ahk, edit script.
find the following.
#ifWinActive ahk_class ((WarcraftIII)|(OsWindow)|(Qt5QWindowIcon))
you can either delete the line or put ;; in front of the line like this.
;;#ifWinActive ahk_class ((WarcraftIII)|(OsWindow)|(Qt5QWindowIcon))

Other solution, open new notepad and write these simple line.

F1::Send, +{Numpad7}
F2::Send, +{Numpad8}
F3::Send, +{Numpad4}
F4::Send, +{Numpad5}
F5::Send, +{Numpad1}
F6::Send, +{Numpad2}
F8::suspend,toggle

Then save it with the extension .ahk. Then you can just run it after install autohotkeys.
press F8 to ON / OFF the script. You can also change any button to your liking.

humza
humza
2 years ago

i play normal version i did every thing but my inventory key are not working they are same as before numpad 1,2,4,5,7,8

Manowawr
Manowawr
3 years ago

Это большой труд и он очень востребован. Это невероятно упрощает игру. Премного Вам благодарен!!!
Подскажите пожалуйста кто знает, как изменить HotKey инвентаря чтоб работало от сочетания “Shift+Q” вместо F1. (что нужно прописать в скрипте)

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Manowawr

+Q::SendInput, {Numpad7}

Dagnarys
Dagnarys
3 years ago

Thank you so much. it was very easy. See you soon on Battle Tanks 9.11))


regi
regi
3 years ago

how get key?

BLIZZARD SUCKS D
BLIZZARD SUCKS D
3 years ago

how do I set up Quick Chat msgs (on numpad) so that it sends to ally only chat? Currently it sends to all chat

Erik Masa
Erik Masa
3 years ago

I did EVERYTHING what was said in the guide and still my invetory keys are the same (Numpad 1, 2 etc.)

Help, please….

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Erik Masa

Do you play reforge version or other version ?

Malthur123
Malthur123
3 years ago

The German hotkeys are most definitely not German.

DonKo
DonKo
3 years ago

This works so fine!, even I did a little modifications to do this still better.

Mr.Joe
Mr.Joe
3 years ago

Hey man thanks alot for this,i just gott one problem i cant figure out and that is when i play invoker in dota i get a new spell and can max hold 2 spells.
The problem is both spells get binded to the Letter S, so i can only use one.
I tried some other versions but this not seem to fix this can anyone help thanks :).

Mamzor
Mamzor
3 years ago

Hello,
First thanks for the effort. Could you help me with just changing my Shop User Select Hotkey. It’s on U but I want it more accessible for example on G. What is the command in the standard CustomKeys document?

cremetangerine
cremetangerine
3 years ago

Hi, thanks for the great work you are doing!
I would like to use standard Blizzard hotkeys, but I want to bind items. I used MyBackPack 1.1 program before, but it doesn’t work in the latest patch.
How can I bind items hotkeys to
shift+w = 7;
shift+e = 8 etc

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  cremetangerine

+W::SendInput, {Numpad7}
+E::SendInput, {Numpad8}

swash
swash
3 years ago

Hello how do I actually use awsd as the arrow keys to move the window? Isn’t that how the pro players play? I don’t like to use the edge of the screen with mouse scroll to move the window,

Manowawr
Manowawr
3 years ago
Reply to  swash

Жесть чувак. По моему так никто не играет, ибо это не даст тебе эффективности.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  swash

a::Left
w::Up
s::Down
d::Right

P.S. You can try to use middle button at your mouse, I use it and i like it

Ready to work
Ready to work
3 years ago

*HELP*
Really tried but can’t make Customkeys to work. Some info that might be -or help find- the cause of the problem:

1)War3 is installed on: D:\GAMES\Warcraft III

2)Windows are in Greek language (it can’t be changed to English T_T)

I’ve already put a Customkeys.txt inside a CustomKeyBindings folder and a Customkeys.txt alone, inside every possible folder (I got ideas from other forums with people having problems) to see if it could work but to no avail.

Please help.

Ready to work
Ready to work
3 years ago
Reply to  Ready to work

Never mind. The problem was that somehow the edited customkeys.txt somehow got automatically replaced by the default customkeys.txt. I noticed the difference in the file size. Replaced it again and now it works. BTW the correct path for me is as it states on this guide without the BETA, so: C:\Users\username\Documents\Warcraft III\CustomKeyBindings\customkeys.txt

Joseph Tham
Joseph Tham
3 years ago

how do i reset my wacraft 3 F1-F6 hotkeys to default mode. I still prefer F1-F3 for select hero during war.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Joseph Tham

What is reset ? You can just close AutoHotkey’s exe file

Pants
Pants
3 years ago

Hi, looking to drop an item in slot Num7 by pressing the Num9 key. The following almost does it;

Numpad9::Send {F1}{Numpad7}{RButton}

Is there a way to have {Numpad7} in the above example register as a right click?

Szymon
Szymon
3 years ago

hello,
thank you very much for this guide.
But there is one issue that im fighting with – can you tell me pllease; how can i move screen with my middle mouse button? Now its changing units, i dont want it, i want to move screen 🙁
thank you

Tobi
Tobi
3 years ago

Hello, I’m having issues with the hotkey AHK script, more specifically the quick chat messages, they seem to work in Campaign but whenever i try to use them online they don’t work, any solutions? On Wc3 Reforged.

MagicalHobo
MagicalHobo
3 years ago

I made my item keys from the number pad using T, Y, G, H,J, etc… so that I can use items quickly but I while I am in chat before the game starts I can’t type using those letters without numbers being substituted for them.

fashophil
fashophil
4 years ago

Hi,

I’m having issues with my item hotkeys working completely fine for entire games sometimes, and sometimes them toggling off somehow and me not knowing how I am doing that. It usually happens after my first death in a game, so I can’t tell if it’s glitching or if i’m accidentally hitting some key combo that is disabling the autohotkey script. I’m using them on f1 through f6 and heros/units on 1-3.

Thanks in advance

Archie
Archie
4 years ago

So Im playing on the 1.27b Patch. Ive tried everything, but just cant get the Itemkeybinds to work. Ive mirrored the instructions multiple times, even tried to download earlier AHK clients, but with no success. Im running the script as Admin, and its in the right directory. Im using a german keyboard and have the regular keybinds working already. The script is running before I enter WC3, but the binds ingame are still bound to NUMx. Any ideas on how to get them working?

Edgar Kretschmann
Edgar Kretschmann
3 years ago
Reply to  Archie

same here.also German. did you find a solution?

Seth
Seth
4 years ago

Not working with Zeus’s Lightning Bolt skill.

tdiggy
tdiggy
4 years ago

is anyone else dealing with a stupid sound it makes when you type something and press enter?

tdiGGy
tdiGGy
4 years ago

I got theitem hotkeys to work ( i only changed one of them but i made it “SPACE” instead of “F1” but now when i type something, it makes an annoying noise whenever i press “enter”… anyone have any idea how to get rid of that sound? maybe it has something to do with my headset?

Pacolock
Pacolock
4 years ago

Is it possible that when I run the script I receive the following message : [cmdcancel] Error : This line does not contain recognized action

Badabull
Badabull
4 years ago

how do I configure num8 – to scroll the wheel up, num5 to the middle mouse button, and num2 to scroll the wheel down?

Anton
Anton
4 years ago

Thx for AHT!!! It’s guide very useful.
Greetings from Russia

Tsegra
Tsegra
4 years ago

Hey, my issues is my F1 key on my keyboard is broken, can i rebind the hero select keys?

AlbOn
AlbOn
3 years ago
Reply to  Tsegra

yes, any another button.

starfall
starfall
4 years ago

why isnt there QWERTY keyboard customkey.txt?

Darkns1815
Darkns1815
4 years ago
Reply to  starfall

im also trying to find one men

klodjan bardhi
klodjan bardhi
3 years ago
Reply to  starfall

This game is old and if you have any good idea, i can make hero to use in auto pilot, it is very simple to use KEYS i not recomand that AHK.exe more than inventory i have try invoker, with button 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 put magic in every number, remember when you put the skill and just push the single number. example; 1 tornado, stun strike 2, meteor 3= 123 Give me example what you need, i give program ready to all keys they need, chat in game not have problem with buttons you… Read more »

Djmicro
Djmicro
4 years ago

What should I do if I did everything fromt this list and its still do not work with patch 1.31????

Pavel
Pavel
4 years ago
Reply to  Djmicro

put file named “customkeys” (without “.txt”) from this site?,to folder “x86_64” and all will be work))

Edgar Kretschmann
Edgar Kretschmann
3 years ago
Reply to  Pavel

Hi Pavel, what do you mean with x86_64 thank you!

all-in
all-in
4 years ago

if you use the f1-f6 to items, how you select the heroes? (in default is f1 f2 f3)

Kevin
Admin
Kevin
4 years ago
Reply to  all-in

Hi all-in, most players “save” their heroes into command groups, click “ctrl+1” to save a hero on “1” for example. If you don’t like that you can change the item keys and keep your heroes on F1.

Nik
Nik
4 years ago

I’m having issues. Sometimes my ItemHotkeys are not working (F1-F6), sometimes they are.

I followed your chapter 3, only solution 2 (without CustomHotkeys, only with ItemHotkeys). Do you have any clue what might be going on?

Maybe the F1-F6 keys are interfering with F1/F2/F3 hotkeys for heroes?

Kevin
Admin
Kevin
4 years ago
Reply to  Nik

Hi Nik, where do you put your heroes on? I always put them on 1,2,3. If you experience bugs, try to change the item hotkeys to something else (chapter 4)

Nik
Nik
4 years ago
Reply to  Kevin

Hey Kevin, I hotkey my heroes and units on 1-3 usually. I did not change the default F1-F3 hotkeys that go straight to the hero, so I’m assuming that’s what is causing the issue. I will follow Chapter 4, thanks.

Awesome tool by the way :), big thanks!

Kevin
Admin
Kevin
4 years ago
Reply to  Nik

You are welcome, happy to help.

KateMa
KateMa
4 years ago

i click run script and it does nothing

KateMa
KateMa
4 years ago
Reply to  KateMa

when making custom keys for inventory i installed tyg option and it does nothing

Kevin
Admin
Kevin
4 years ago
Reply to  KateMa

Follow the instructions in chapter 3 and don’t forget to run the script before you start WC3

Wonder stranger
Wonder stranger
4 years ago

Is it possible for me to use 2 keys combo for item hotkey? like Space + 1 for number pad 1. Or is it only for 1 key?

tdiggy
tdiggy
4 years ago

anyone here get an annoying sound everytime the press enter or numpad??!!!!

mozgTV
mozgTV
4 years ago
Reply to  tdiggy

Yeah. I had this. Just go in windows in “panel control” then “sound”, now pad “sounds” and turn off “exclamation”

mozgTV
mozgTV
4 years ago
Reply to  tdiggy

oh yes disconnect there asterisk also

Chop
Chop
4 years ago

does it work with the patch 1.26?

Rintin
Rintin
4 years ago

Wow, really nice finally got my items working after 10 years wc 3 xD