If you’re a Mac user, you know how to right-click on anything to get a menu of options. But what if you want to do something specific with a mouse or keyboard? Here are some tips for getting the most out of right-clicking on Macs:
- Right-click on an empty space in the top left corner of your screen and select “Open in new window.” This will open a new window with the selected item in it.
- Right-click on an item in your Dock and select “Open in Finder.” This will open the Finder with the selected item inside it.
- Right-click on an item in your Menu bar and select “Open In Browser.” This will open the Browser with the selected item inside it.
How to Right-Click on a Trackpad
The trackpad on a Macbook (or the Magic Trackpad) is a single piece of brushed aluminum. The newer MacBooks come with a Force Trackpad that emulates a click and provides haptic feedback (the previous generations would actually click).
No matter which trackpad you’re using, right-clicking on a MacBook is simple. Just tap or click (press down) with two fingers simultaneously.
If the two-finger tap doesn’t work for you, or if you want to change the action, you can adjust settings from System Preferences.
Click on the Apple button from the menu bar and then select the “System Preferences” option.
Next, click the “Trackpad” button.
In the “Point & Click” tab, click on the drop-down menu below the “Secondary Click” option. If you want, you can switch to the “Click in Bottom Right Corner” or the “Click in Bottom Left Corner” option.
While you’re here, you can also explore the section to customize trackpad gestures.
RELATED: How to Right-Click with Two Fingers and Other OS X Trackpad Gestures
How to Right-Click on a Mouse
If you’re using Apple’s Magic Mouse, you can use the same gestures as the trackpad to switch between spaces and for scrolling.
The Magic Mouse doesn’t have a separate right-click button. Instead, the entire top part of the mouse is clickable. If you click on the left side of the mouse, it will register as a left-click. In the same way, just click on the top-right section of the Magic Mouse for a right-click.
The same goes for any third-party mouse you’re using. If it’s connected to your Mac using Bluetooth or a wired connection, just click on the button on the right side to make a right-click.
How to Right-Click Using a Keyboard
If the right-click button on your mouse or trackpad is broken, you can use your Mac’s keyboard as a replacement.
Just press and hold the “Control” key (not to be confused with the Command key) while pressing the left-click button on the mouse to register as a right-click.
Take a look at our guide for switching from Windows to Mac to make yourself more at home with your new machine.
RELATED: How to Switch from a Windows PC to a Mac
