The trackpad is becoming an increasingly popular manipulator and developers are taking advantage of the multi-touch capabilities to create systems for more comfortable computer control. In this overview, you will find a list of useful command gestures for OS X that will help make your computer easier.
As a reminder, the trackpad can be used on any Apple computer - whether it's the built-in trackpad on laptops or the Magic Trackpad on desktops. A list of useful multi-touch gestures, below, is relevant for all modern versions of the Mac OS the X.
* Legend:
- Tap - touch ("click");
- Long tap - touch with hold;
- Swipe - touch with movement;
- Pinch - pinching of fingers touching the trackpad;
- Reverse pinch - spreading fingers touching the trackpad;
- Spin - turn with touch.
Desktop and Mission Control
- Desktop display - reverse pinch with four fingers;
- Call Mission Control - swipe up with four fingers;
- View all application tabs in Mission Control - swipe up with two fingers above the window;
- Switch between applications or desktops - swipe with four fingers in any direction;
- Launchpad - pinch with four fingers;
- Moving a window - long tap with three fingers above the title (must be activated in System Settings);
- Click without pressing - tap with one finger;
- Context menu - tap with two fingers;
- Scrolling - swipe with two fingers;
- Quick view mode - tap with three fingers.
Safari
- Zoom in on the page - reverse pinch with two fingers;
- Zoom out the page - pinch with two fingers;
- Analogue of the "Back" button - swipe to the right with two fingers;
- Analogue of the "Forward" button - swipe to the left with two fingers;
- Open in the dictionary - tap with three fingers on the desired word;
- To bring the object closer - tap with two fingers;
Quick Time
- Full screen mode - reverse pinch with two fingers;
- Exit full screen mode - pinch with two fingers;
- Rewind video playback - swipe with two fingers in the desired direction.
View
- Rotate the image - spin with two fingers in any direction;
- Zoom in / out - pinch / reverse pinch with two fingers.
The calendar
Switching between pages - swipe with two fingers horizontally
iPhoto
- Rotate photo - spin with two fingers;
- Zoom in event folders - tap with two fingers or reverse pinch.
iTunes
Scrolling a composition - swipe with two fingers over the scroll bar
See also:
- Logitech Trackpad Rechargeable Trackpad for Mac, iPhone and iPad.
- Touchscreen iMac? This is possible with the Zorro Macsk frame from TMDtouch.
- Mobile Mouse Pro turns your iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch into a touchpad for your Mac or PC.
- All the secrets of Mac OS X.
