Switch Primary Mouse Button in Ubuntu
Switching the primary mouse button in Ubuntu changes which button acts as the main click button.
This means you can make your right mouse button the one that opens things and selects items, instead of the usual left button.
Many left-handed people find this setting helpful. Ubuntu, like most operating systems, defaults to the left button for clicking.
Changing this simple setting ensures your mouse works comfortably for you, whether you’re right-handed or left-handed.
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 can make your mouse more comfortable to use, especially for left-handed people. This change swaps the functions of your left and right mouse buttons, so the right button acts as the main click. Ubuntu keeps most settings in one convenient place for quick adjustments.
Ubuntu organizes most settings in the System Settings panel. From here, you can change system configurations, create new users, and update your system.
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.
And that’s it! You can close the Settings app now.
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.
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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.
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