AutoHotkey hotstring not replacing trigger text containing "!b" correctly

I'm having trouble with an AutoHotkey script where a hotstring isn't replacing the trigger text correctly.

Here's the specific line of code I used:

:*:;container;::>[!blank-container|float-left-small]

I expect that when I type ;container;, it should be replaced with >[!blank-container|float-left-small].

However, instead of getting the expected output, I'm getting >[lank-container|float-left-small].

It seems that the replacement text is ignoring the characters "!b" from the output

I've tried removing any conflicting commands, like the backspace command (Send {backspace 11}), but the issue persists.

Could someone please help me understand what might be causing this issue and how to fix it? Thank you!

Solution

When the Send command or Hotstrings are used in their default (non-raw) mode, characters such as {}^!+# have special meaning. To use them literally in these cases, enclose them in braces:

:*:;container;::>[{!}blank-container|float-left-small]

or use the raw mode:

:*R:;container;::>[!blank-container|float-left-small]

or the Text mode (recommended):

:*T:;container;::>[!blank-container|float-left-small]