Right-Click on a Mac

Questions

  • How do I right-click on a Mac?
  • How do I right-click if my Mac has only one mouse button?
  • How do I turn on right-click (secondary click) for a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad?
  • How do I open the right-click menu on a Mac trackpad?
  • What is the keyboard shortcut for right-clicking on a Mac?

Environment

This article applies to anyone using a Mac. There are two primary ways to right-click: hold a key while clicking, or enable secondary click on a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.

Resolution

Right-click using a key press

If you need to right-click only occasionally, hold down the Control key (labeled Ctrl on a Windows keyboard) and click the mouse or trackpad button. A right-click menu opens where you clicked.

Enable right-click on a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad

Apple mice and trackpads are designed as single-button devices, but you can enable a more traditional right-click option.

  1. Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
  2. Select Trackpad or Mouse. You may have both options if your computer is set up with both (see the examples below).
  3. Select the Point & Click tab.
  4. Set Secondary click to your preferred option.

Enable right-click on an Apple Magic Mouse

Animation showing how to enable secondary click on an Apple Magic Mouse in System Settings.

Enable right-click on an Apple Magic Trackpad

Animation showing how to enable secondary click on an Apple Magic Trackpad in System Settings.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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