Click
Click
Click is a term used to describe the action of pressing a mouse button (usually the left mouse button, if the mouse has two buttons) one or more times. Depending on the computer you are using or the software program you're in changes the action performed when clicking the mouse button.
Note
A laptop touchpad has two buttons, which act like the two buttons on a desktop computer mouse.
Below are the general ways to click a computer mouse and the actions they perform. As mentioned above, these actions may change depending on the program you are using.
Types of mouse clicks and mouse click options
Single-click (pressing and releasing the mouse button) performs an action, if you clicked on a button, icon, file menu, or another object. With a mouse with two or more buttons, the single-click is defaulted to the left mouse button, which is why it may also be known as left-clicking the mouse.
Click-and-drag (clicking, holding down the mouse button, and moving the mouse) is used to highlight or drag-select text or objects.
Double-click (pressing the button twice, quickly) opens or executes a program or opens a file.
Triple-click (pressing the button three times quickly) selects a paragraph of text.
Right-click (pressing the alternate mouse button, often the right mouse button) will perform a special action. For example, in Microsoft Windows, right-clicking the mouse button brings up a menu with additional options for whatever was clicked.
Middle-click (pressing the middle button on a three-button mouse, or using the mouse wheel as a button) will perform a pre-programmed option. Often, this option may be configured in your operating system mouse settings, or sometimes in the program you are running. For example, in most Internet browsers, using the mouse wheel as a button on a link opens that link in a new tab.
Shift click (Click, holding down the Shift key, and clicking again) to highlight text, icons, or another set of objects. See our Shift click page for further information, instructions, and interactive examples.
Ctrl click (Click, holding down the Ctrl key, and clicking again) to select multiple files or folders. See our how to select or highlight multiple files and folders page for further information and instructions.
Which finger
should I use?
The index finger on the right hand is used for what is referred to a selective click. However, those who are left-handed may reverse the order of the keys mouse keys to ensure they have the same functionality.
How to click without a mouse
Using a keyboard, you can also perform the same action as a click by pressing either the Spacebar key or the Enter key on the keyboard. For example, pressing Tab repeatedly allows you to navigate through the links on this page, you can press Enter on the keyboard to follow the currently highlighted link.
If you need to right-click with a keyboard, see our right-click page for further information and examples.
Why won't my mouse click?
This issue usually arises when the mouse needs a driver update, new batteries, or is faulty.
What is an Operating System? » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys » Computer Basics - Hardware - Software - Parts
Short Stories for Kids - Moral Stories – English Short Stories for Children - Moral Stories for Kids - Stories for Kids - Funny Story for Kids - Scary Stories for Kids - Really Funny Short Stories - Bedtime Stories
Proverb Stories
Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students » Success Quotes » English Short Stories for Kids
Cabin Crew Jobs & Career Advice » Secretary Job Description » Receptionist Job Description » Top 100 Interview Questions and Answers » How to Prepare for an Interview » How to Write a CV » How to Choose a Career » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions
Scholarships in Australia » Scholarships in Austria » Scholarships in Belgium » Scholarships in Canada » Scholarships in Germany » Scholarships in Ireland » Scholarships in Italy » Scholarships in Japan » Scholarships in Korea » Scholarships in Netherlands » Scholarships in Switzerland » Scholarships in UK » Scholarships in USA
Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants
Click here to post comments
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Computer Basics FAQ.
