How to Right-click a Chromebook | Digital Trends

Welcome to the world of Chromebooks! These budget laptops are a great middle ground between mobile devices like smartphones and tablets and more rugged laptops and desktop PCs. However, these Google-powered machines require a bit of a learning curve, right down to the way you operate the clicks on the trackpad. We are sure you are familiar with performing a right click in Windows or macOS. You can also right-click on a Chromebook, but probably not in the way you’re used to.

But no need to worry. Ultimately, learning curves can be fun and educational. We’ve created this guide that walks you through how to perform right-click and some other Chromebook commands.

Method 1: Quick right click

This is pretty easy if you’ve used an Apple or Windows touchpad in the past. Instead of tapping with one finger, tap the pad with two fingers while hovering over the object you want to right-click. The touchpad interprets your two fingers as a right click and displays the drop-down menu – or whatever else you want your right click to reveal.

Timing and position are important here, because your fingers have to tap down and lift up at the same time, otherwise something can go wrong. If you’ve never tried right-clicking this way before, it may take some practice (always make sure the touchpad is clean and dry, which makes a big difference).

Method 2: Right-click with the keyboard

If you really don’t like typing on the touchpad or are still in the learning phase and need a more reliable way to right-click while mastering the pad, then try the keyboard method. Press and hold the Alt key, then tap the pad with one finger. This works like a two-finger tap for a right click, but may be more accurate and easier if you don’t have a finger to spare.

This method can work well if you’re already busy typing and your fingers are right there, so to speak – or if you’re on the go and awkward positioning makes it easier to just hold down the Alt key and type rather than with it Try typing with two fingers.

Method 3: Right-click to move objects

This is a little more complicated. To move objects using the Chromebook touchpad, you need to combine right and left clicks. First, tap the pad while hovering over the object, but keep your finger lightly on the pad. Then tap down with your second finger and move it across the pad to move the object.

Here your first finger enables the movement and your second finger actually moves the object. The key is to keep one finger relatively still while moving the other, which becomes intuitive over time. Like our first method, this may take a bit of practice, especially if you’re still getting used to the touchpad’s sensitivity. The better Chromebooks have smoother touchpads that make this easier, but it might feel a little strange on cheaper models.

If in doubt, turn it off

On Chromebooks, you can change the touchpad settings or turn the whole thing off if it bothers you. First go to Settings Screen that you can usually find in the same place as your network connections and battery life. The actual symbols may vary a little depending on the Chromebook manufacturer, but they are usually a gear or a wrench.

Pause there for a moment and notice the slider that allows you to change the touchpad speed. If you find the touchpad a little too jumpy, reduce the speed and experiment a bit – this will also make clicking a little easier. When you’re done, look for a button that says “Touchpad Settings” and select it.

Or you could just use one of these

If you’re simply not familiar with your Chromebook’s native right-click controls, you can solve all your problems by connecting a mouse to it. Once paired, left and right clicks work the same as on any other PC with a mouse.

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