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How to Right-Click on a Mac

Just because there's no right button doesn't mean there's no right-click

By Tom Nelson Tom Nelson Writer Tom Nelson is an engineer, programmer, network manager, and computer network and systems designer who has written for Other World Computing,and others. Tom is also president of Coyote Moon, Inc., a Macintosh and Windows consulting firm. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 23, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

What to Know

Easiest way: Use a keyboard modifier to change a primary click on a mouse or trackpad into a secondary or right-click.Or, set up a secondary click for a Magic Mouse: System Preferences > Mouse > Point & Click > Secondary click. Trackpad: System Preferences > Trackpad > Point & Click > Secondary click > down arrow; choose an option. This article explains how to perform right-click functions on a Mac if you're using a trackpad or your mouse doesn't have a right-click option.

How to Right-Click on a Mac Using a Keyboard Modifier

The simplest way to produce a right-click is with a keyboard modifier. Use this method to change a primary click on a mouse or trackpad into a secondary or right-click. This trick works with any pointing device, including mice and trackpads. To right-click, hold the Control key while you click the mouse or the trackpad on your MacBook.

How to Set Up a Secondary Right Click on a Mouse

Using the Control key is all well and good, but you can still set up the mouse to feature a right-click function. You just need to define it. Launch System Preferences by selecting the System Preferences icon in the Dock or by selecting System Preferences from the Apple menu. Select the Mouse preference pane. The Mouse preference pane has a different interface depending on the type of mouse used. If you use an Apple Magic Mouse, select the Point & Click tab, then select the Secondary click check box. Below the Secondary click text is a down arrow. Select the down arrow and choose which side of the Magic Mouse to use for the Secondary click. The remaining button is defined as the secondary button used to access the context-sensitive menus. Third-party mice often come with a set of mouse drivers that supersede the Mac's built-in mouse drivers. You don't have to use the third-party drivers, though they sometimes have additional capabilities. If you decide to use the third-party drivers, follow the instructions for installing and configuring the mouse.

How to Set Up a Secondary Right Click on a Trackpad

You can set up a secondary click on the Mac Trackpad as well. Here's how Launch System Preferences by selecting the System Preferences icon in the Dock or by selecting System Preferences from the Apple menu. Select Trackpad. Select the Point & Click tab in the Trackpad window, then select the Secondary click check box. Below the Secondary click text is a down arrow. Select the down arrow and choose one of the options: Click with two fingersClick in bottom right cornerClick in bottom left corner

How to Use the Secondary or Right-Click

Now that you have the secondary click function defined, you can bring up the context-sensitive menu by placing the cursor over an item, such as a folder in Finder. Right-click by pressing the side of the mouse you defined as the secondary click. As soon as the menu appears, release the mouse, button, or mouse side. You can then select a menu item by clicking the primary side or button of the mouse. If you use a Magic Mouse, it works the same way, though there is no actual button visible. Just press the side of the Magic Mouse you defined as the secondary side. For best results, press near the top corner of the side you chose. The trackpad works similarly to the mouse, though it also supports using a two-finger tap as the right-click function. To use the two-finger tap, use two fingers to click down on the trackpad and keep the fingers on the trackpad until the context-sensitive menu appears. How to Left-Click on a Mac Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use a Multi-Button Mouse With Your Mac How to Left-Click on a Mac How to Change a Mac Mouse Battery How to Right-Click on Chromebook Configure Your Mac's Trackpad to Meet Your Needs 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse How to Right-Click on a Laptop How to Set Up Dual Monitors on a Mac How to Turn off Mouse Acceleration on Mac How to Move a Window That Is Off-Screen How to Use a Trackball Mouse How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 How to Hide and Unhide Columns, Rows, and Cells in Excel How to Use Hot Corners on a Mac How to Double Click on a Mac How to Allow Pop-Ups on a Mac Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies

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How to Right Click on a Mac