Useful Multitouch Trackpad Gestures On Mac OS X

2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 08:36

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.