Trackpad & Mouse Basics

The Basics

Click

Tap with 1 finger to select, open, or press buttons.

Right-Click

Tap with 2 fingers to open the context menu.

Scroll

Slide 2 fingers up or down to scroll the page.

#1 thing Windows users miss: On Mac, right-click = tap with 2 fingers. No separate button!

Power Gestures

Hover over each card to see the gesture animated.

Pinch to Zoom

Spread 2 fingers apart to zoom in; pinch together to zoom out.

Mission Control

Swipe up with 3 fingers to see all open windows at once.

Switch Spaces

Swipe left or right with 3 fingers to switch virtual desktops.

Launchpad

Pinch in with 4 fingers + thumb to see all your apps.

Notifications

Swipe left from the right edge with 2 fingers to open Notification Center.

Try Each Gesture

Practice each one and check it off. Your progress is tracked below.

Try It Now

Right-click on your desktop: tap with 2 fingers on the trackpad.

Try It Now

Scroll up and down on this page: slide 2 fingers up and down.

Try It Now

Pinch to zoom on a photo or webpage: spread 2 fingers apart.

Try It Now

Open Mission Control: swipe up with 3 fingers.

Try It Now

Switch desktops: swipe left or right with 3 fingers.

Try It Now

Open Spotlight search: press Command (⌘) + Space.

0 of 6 completed

Customize Your Trackpad

System Settings > Trackpad lets you fine-tune everything:

What Does This Gesture Do?

Click each card to reveal the answer.

Tap with 2 fingers?
Right-click (context menu)
3-finger swipe up?
Mission Control (see all windows)
Pinch in with 4 fingers?
Launchpad (all apps grid)
2 fingers from right edge?
Notification Center