How to right-click on a Mac

There are 2 primary ways to "right-click" on a Mac. You can either enable the feature for a mouse or trackpad or you can use a combination of key presses and mouse clicks.

Right-click by key press

If you need to right-click on a Mac once in a while, you can do so by holding down the Control key (also CTRL on a Windows keyboard) and click the mouse button. A right-click menu option will open where clicked.

Enable right-click on a Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse

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

  • From Finder, click on the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences
  • Click on the Trackpad or Mouse icon. (You may have both options if your computer is setup with both. See videos below).
  • Click on the "Point & Click" tab
  • Check the box next to "Secondary Click"

Enable right-click on an Apple Magic Mouse

Enable right-click on an Apple Mouse.

Enable right-click on an Apple Magic Trackpad

Enable right-click on an Apple Trackpad