Right-clicking on a Mac can confuse new users, mainly if they are used to Windows systems. Macs usually come with a single-button trackpad or mouse, but you can still right-click or use secondary clicking with or without an external mouse.
Here, we will explore various methods for right-clicking on a Mac so that you can easily access context menus and other functions.
Right-click using a Mac trackpad.
The MacBook trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, including right-clicking. One common way to right-click on a Mac trackpad is by using two fingers. Here are the steps:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
- In the System Preferences window, click on “Trackpad.”
- Under the “Point and Click” tab, check the box next to “Secondary click.”
- You can choose options like “Click with two fingers,” “Click in bottom right corner,” or “Click in bottom left corner.”
- Once enabled, right-click on the trackpad by tapping or clicking with two fingers simultaneously.
Right-click using an Apple Magic Mouse
If you have an Apple Magic Mouse, you can set it up to perform right-clicks:
- Click on the Apple logo and go to “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Mouse” in the System Preferences window.
- Check the “Secondary click” box next to the “Point and Click” tab.
- Select “Click on right side” or “Click on left side,” depending on your preference.
Right-click using a standard USB or Bluetooth mouse
Using a standard two-button mouse is easy because the right button is already set to perform right-click functions:
- Plug in your USB mouse or pair your Bluetooth mouse with your Mac.
Generally, no additional setup is necessary. The right mouse button should automatically function as a right click. If it does not, you can go to “System Preferences” > “Mouse” to adjust settings.
Right-click using the keyboard.
If you do not have a mouse or prefer using the keyboard, macOS provides a way to right-click using a combination of keys:
- Hold down the “Control” key on your keyboard and click on the trackpad or mouse button. This action will register as a right click, opening the context menu.
Right-click using the accessibility features
macOS includes many accessibility features that can simulate a right click. One such feature is Mouse Keys, which allows you to control the mouse pointer using the keyboard:
- Go to “System Preferences” and select “Accessibility.”
- Click on “Mouse and Trackpad” from the left-hand menu.
- Check the box next to “Enable Mouse Keys.”
With Mouse Keys enabled you can use the numeric keypad to move the cursor and simulate mouse clicks. Pressing “Control” and the numeric keypad’s five keys can simulate a right click.
Right-click using third-party applications.
Many third-party applications are available that enhance mouse and trackpad functionality on macOS, offering additional customisation for right-clicking.
BetterTouchTool is a popular app that allows you to customise gestures and clicks:
- Visit the BetterTouchTool website to download the app.
- Open BetterTouchTool and set up custom gestures or clicks that can be used to perform a right click.
Conclusion
Understanding how to right-click on a Mac without a traditional two-button mouse can greatly improve your user experience. It allows you to access context menus and additional functionalities efficiently.
Setting up your preferred method allows you to streamline your workflow and make the most of your Mac.
FAQs
How to right-click on a Mac trackpad?
Open “System Preferences,” select “Trackpad,” and check the box next to “Secondary click.” Choose your preferred method, such as clicking with two fingers.
Can I right-click using a Magic Mouse?
Yes, go to “System Preferences,” select “Mouse,” check “Secondary click,” and choose whether to right-click on the left or right side of the mouse.
How can I right-click using a keyboard on a Mac?
Hold down the “Control” key and click on the trackpad or mouse button to perform a right click.
