How to Use Right-Click on a Mac

How to enable the right-click function on your Mac and Macbook

As a PC user it’s pretty normal to use the right-click functionality on your mouse. It offers a lot of flexibility and access to vital menus. So when swapping over to Mac for the first time, it can be rather difficult getting used to the lack of functionality. Luckily there are several ways to enable the right-click functionality on your Mac.

Hold Control (ctrl) While Clicking

The most straightforward and simple way to enable the Mac right-click is to simply hold down the control key and click. This will make your mouse click seem as if it was a right-click and take the corresponding action. While this is a pretty easy way around the lack of functionality, it can also get tiring having to hold control every time you need to right-click. Not to worry though, there are two more options that can make life much easier.

Enabling Right-Click Using Your Trackpad

The next option requires a little bit of technical know-how, but after it’s set up you won’t have to worry about it again. Following the provided steps will allow your trackpad to act as a right-click when clicking with two fingers.

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Select the System Preferences option for the dropdown list.
  3. In the System Preferences screen, click on the Trackpad option
  4. When you are on the Trackpad screen, navigate to the Point & Click tab
  5. After selecting the Point & Click tab, enable the “Secondary Click” option

There you go, now your trackpad has the functionality to Right-Click when using two fingers to click. You also have a few options to choose from depending on how you want to trigger the Right-Click. Simply click the dropdown menu beneath the “Secondary Click” checkbox and select the most comfortable option for you.

Enabling Right-Click on your Magic Mouse

If you are using a Mouse instead of a trackpad, the process is pretty similar and will give you the choice to enable Right-Click based on the side of the mouse you click on.

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Select the System Preferences option for the dropdown list.
  3. In the System Preferences screen, click on the Mouse option
  4. When you are on the Mouse screen, navigate to the Point & Click tab
  5. After selecting the Point & Click tab, enable the “Secondary Click” option

The dropdown box beneath the “Secondary Click” checkbox allows you to switch which side of the mouse you want to trigger the Right-Click functionality, so be sure to choose the option that is most comfortable for you.

While any of these options will work to provide you with Right-Click functionality, you can also simply plug in a mouse with the full range of buttons. Your Mac should recognize the mouse and automatically assign the correct functionality to each button without you having to enable any options.

If you are having issues with your Mac or Macbook check out Dave’s Computers. They are IT professionals that have years of experience fixing a wide range of Macs, Macbooks, and other Apple devices and can help you with a number of different problems. If you are a local in the New Jersey area, stop by their store at 415 Amwell Road, Suite 103, Hillsborough NJ 08844.

 

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