There a number of things different about using a Chromebook than on a MacBook or Windows PC. If you’re used to a mouse where you have a right-click, you might be wondering how to accomplish that task without any mouse buttons. If you’re having trouble finding the right way to right-click on the touchpad, you’re not alone. Here’s how it’s done!
We have provided several different methods of right-clicking based on what you want to do. Take a look at the options, and dive into the method that you think will be of the most use.
Method 1: Quick right-click
This is pretty easy if you’ve used an Apple touchpad or modern Windows PC in the past. Instead of tapping with one finger, tap on the pad with two fingers while hovering over the object you want to right-click. The touchpad will interpret your two fingers as a right-click and show the dropdown menu — or whatever else your right-click is supposed to unveil.
The key here is timing and position, because your fingers need to tap down and rise back at the same time, or things can go a little screwy. If you’ve never tried to right-click like this before, it may take a little practice to get down (always make sure the touchpad is clean and dry, that makes a lot of difference).
Method 2: Right-click with the keyboard
If you really don’t like tapping on the touchpad, or are still in the learning stage and need a more reliable way to right-click while you master the pad, then try the keyboard method. Press down and hold the Alt key, and then tap the pad with one finger.
This acts just like a two-finger tap for right-clicking, but it may be more accurate and easier if you don’t have a finger to spare. This method can work well if you are already busy typing and your fingers are right there, so to speak — or if you are on the go and awkward positioning makes it easier to just Alt+Click rather than try two-finger tapping.
Method 3: Right-clicking to move objects
This is a little more complicated. To move objects using the Chromebook touchpad, you can’t just hold down. You have to combine right and left clicks instead. First, tap the pad while hovering over the object, but keep your finger held lightly down on the pad. Then, with your second finger, tap down and move that second finger across the pad to move the object.
Here, your first finger is enabling the movement, your second finger is actually moving the object. The key is keeping one finger relatively still while moving the other, which does become intuitive in time. As with our first method, this may take a little practice, especially if you are still getting used to the sensitivity of the touchpad. The better Chromebooks have smoother touchpads that make this easier, but it may feel a bit off on cheaper models.
Method 4: Just switch it off
Chromebooks allow you to change the touchpad settings, or shut the whole thing down. First, go to the Settings screen, which you can typically find in the same place as your network connections and battery life (the actual icons can vary a little depending on what brand manufactured the Chromebook, but it’s usually a cog or a wrench).
Once there, pause for a moment and note the slider that allows you to change touchpad speed. If you find the touchpad a little too twitchy, try turning the speed down and experimenting a little — this will also make clicking a bit easier. When finished, look for a button that says Touchpad settings, and choose it.
Here you will see several options for changing clicks and scrolling. You can turn tap-to-click off entirely, which people usually do if their hands keep touching the touchpad when they are typing. If you’re getting angry at the touchpad in general, shut it down for a while — this may also make using a mouse easier.