Switch Primary Mouse Button in Ubuntu
Switching the primary mouse button in Ubuntu swaps the left and right click functions so the right button handles your main clicks. Ubuntu runs on a default left-click setup used by most operating systems, but changing this setting helps left-handed people use their mouse more comfortably.
You can adjust this preference in just a few clicks through the standard Ubuntu settings menu. Setting up your mouse for your dominant hand makes daily typing and browsing much easier.
Open Settings , then click Mouse & Touchpad. Under General, select Right as the primary button to make your right mouse button the default for clicking and selecting.
How to switch the primary mouse button in Ubuntu Linux
Switching the primary mouse button in Ubuntu Linux makes pointing devices more comfortable to use, especially for left-handed people. This change swaps the functions of the left and right buttons so the right side acts as the main click. Ubuntu organizes system preferences in a single panel, making quick adjustments painless.
System settings manage hardware configurations, user accounts, and operating system updates from one location. Opening this menu takes only a click on the top-right corner of the desktop.
Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of your desktop’s top bar.
Select Settings from the System menu, as highlighted below.
Click on the Mouse & Touchpad tile in the Settings app to open the panel.
In the Mouse & Touchpad panel, look for the General section and choose Right or Left to switch the primary button.
Closing the Settings app saves the preference automatically.
Conclusion:
- Changing the primary mouse button in Ubuntu Linux can greatly improve the experience for left-handed users.
- By following the simple steps outlined in this post, users can comfortably swap the behavior of the left and right mouse buttons.
- Accessing the System Settings panel and navigating to the Mouse & Touchpad section allows a quick adjustment to the primary button setting.
- This guide provides an accessible solution for customizing the mouse behavior in Ubuntu Linux, catering to diverse user preferences.
How to remap mouse buttons on Ubuntu?
Scroll down to the 'Mouse & Touchpad' section and click on it. Then, right at the top under General, the primary button is set to Left by default.
How to configure mouse buttons in Linux?
Click on the Preferences tab. expand the 'Additional buttons' section. Click the Add button. Move your mouse over the grey box that appears and click the appropriate button on your mouse.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
[…] and background, opening and closing tabs, refreshing a page, and more, simply by holding down the right mouse button and drawing patterns on the […]