To install/use the helper functions, download and place helper-funcs.el in a directory of your choosing and in your .emacs file you add the following: (add-to-list 'load-path THAT_DIRECTORY) (require 'helper-funcs) To use the auto-indent you call, for example, the following: (add-auto-indentation '(emacs-lisp-mode-hook python-mode-hook)) To add a file extension binding you can call the function: (add-auto-mode extension prog-mode) for example: (add-auto-mode ".rkt" 'scheme-mode) (Do note that the prog-mode is sent as a symbol, hence the ') The file will auto start with that prog-mode when opened.