Mouse and Trackpad
The same on-screen task can use different hand movements depending on your device. This guide separates the task from the gesture, so you can practice with the setup you actually use.
Move the pointer
A mouse moves across a surface to move the pointer. A trackpad uses finger movement on its touch-sensitive surface. The pointer is the on-screen arrow or other shape that shows where an action will happen. In the Point lesson, simply move it onto the marked document and let it rest there.
Primary and secondary click
A primary click selects or activates an item. A secondary click commonly opens a menu. On a conventional right-handed mouse setup, those are usually the left and right buttons, but primary-button settings can be swapped.
Trackpad secondary-click gestures vary by operating system and settings. Some setups use two fingers; others use a corner click or a modifier key with a click. Use the gesture configured on your own device rather than assuming one method works everywhere.
Double-click
A double-click is two quick primary clicks on the same target. Mouse Practice uses the double-click event received from the browser. The accepted interval is influenced by the system and browser. In your computer’s settings, a slower double-click speed may make the interval more forgiving.
A double-click is useful in many desktop applications, but web links and buttons commonly need only one click. Read the requested action before trying it.
Drag and drop
With a mouse, press the primary button over an item, keep holding while moving, and release over the destination. Trackpad dragging can use a held physical click, tap-to-drag or another enabled gesture. The available options vary.
In the Drag & Drop lesson, use the gesture you already know. If holding and moving is difficult or unavailable, turn on touch / keyboard alternatives: select the practice document, then select the destination folder.
Scroll
A mouse wheel usually moves through content vertically. Many trackpads use a two-finger gesture. The relationship between finger direction and content movement can differ with “natural scrolling” settings; this site does not change those preferences.
The Scroll lesson contains a separate list with a visible scrollbar. Place your pointer over the list before scrolling. You can also drag its scrollbar or use keyboard navigation when the list has focus.
Touchscreens are different
Touch input is a useful way to explore the tasks, but tapping a phone does not teach the physical feel of a mouse. The app switches to labelled alternative controls when it detects touch in an exercise. A simple tap should not be described as a mouse right-click or physical drag test.
Find your own device settings
For current, device-specific setup instructions, use the built-in help or official documentation from your operating-system maker: Microsoft Windows Support or Apple Mac Support. Search for mouse settings, trackpad gestures, secondary click or double-click speed. No setting change is required to use gentle practice.
Return to the exercises and choose the action you want to repeat.