Right-click on Windows and Mac can be quite different. For Windows users, it’s easy and convenient to make use of right-clicking to accomplish multiple tasks. However, for Mac users, it’s not the same thing. Although Apple introduces the Magic Mouse, the mouse does not have a distinct left or right button. So here comes the tricky question, what to do if you want to right-click on Mac? To improve work efficiency and make things easier, this post will walk you through 5 feasible ways to right-click on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Method 1. Use Mac shortcuts to right-click on MacBook devices.
This method adopts a control-click and is similar to right-click on a Windows device. If you are familiar with the keyboard, this method works well for you. Users have to press and hold the control button while clicking on a tab, folder, or any other item at the same time. Then the right-click menu should pop up.
Method 2. Use Trackpad to fulfill right-click on MacBook Air/Pro.
The Trackpad on MacBook Air/Pro offers mass possibilities without the need to use a mouse. If you are one of them who prefer to run the program with Trackpad only, this method can suit you well.
- Go to the Apple logo in the upper left corner and scroll down the menu to locate System Preferences.
- After entering the System Preferences window, find Trackpad in the middle part of the menu. Click on Trackpad to change the preferences.
- Navigate to Point & Click, which is the first section on the top menu bar. You can see a bunch of settings below.
- Check the box in front of the Secondary click. There are three options below the heading.
- You can choose to click or tap with two fingers, or click in bottom left/right corner.
Click or tap with two fingers: when you click an item with two fingers together on the Trackpad, the right-click window shows up.
Click in bottom left/right corner: when you click an item from either the left or the right on the Trackpad, the right-click window shows up.
The live process will be displayed on the right of the window.
Exit System Preferences when the change is made.
Method 3. Use Apple Magic Mouse to fulfill right-click on MacBook Air/Pro.
The Trackpad might be enough for MacBook users but what about iMac users? Apple Mouse would solve the issue well. However, it’s mentioned forehanded that the Apple Magic Mouse does not come with a distinguished left or right button, so it’s confusing for new users to manage this tool. With proper set-up, the Magic Mouse can be indeed helpful if you want to fulfill right-click on Mac devices. Here’s how to enable right-click function with Magic Mouse.
- Go to the Apple logo in the upper left corner and scroll down the menu to locate System Preferences.
- After entering the System Preferences window, find Mouse in the middle part of the menu. Click on it to change the preferences.
- Navigate to Point & Click, which is the first section on the top menu bar. You can see a bunch of settings below.
- Check the box in front of the Secondary click. There are two options below the heading.
- You can choose to Click on right side or Click on left side to accomplish right-click settings. The live process will be displayed on the right of the window so you can clearly see how it works.
Exit System Preferences when the change is made.
Method 4. Connect non- Apple mouse to fulfill right-click on MacBook Air/Pro.
You may not opt for an Apple Magic Mouse considered the budget, but a non- Apple mouse is preferred by many users. Don’t worry, macOS will automatically detect and recognize that there are left-click and right-click functions on the mouse. Therefore, simply click the left or the right as people normally do on Windows PC so you can easily manage the mouse.
Apart from the four ways listed above, there are some small yet handy programs that are developed by third-party companies, let’s say, iBoysoft MagicMenu, to enhance right click on Mac with improved efficiency and convenience.