Enable Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux

This post describes steps to turn on or off Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux.

In Ubuntu Linux, if your device has a touchpad, you can click, double-click, drag, and scroll using only your Touchpad without separate hardware buttons.

Your device’s Touchpad can quickly perform similar actions as a mouse or other pointing devices without needing a separate mouse or additional device to point and click.

Natural Scrolling is also known as Reverse Scrolling. When enabled, you can drag content as if sliding a physical piece of paper using the Touchpad.

Below is how to enable or disable Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux.

How to turn on or off natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux

As described above, if your device has a touchpad, you can click, double-click, drag, and scroll using only your Touchpad without separate hardware buttons.

Below is how to do that.

Ubuntu Linux has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating, all can be done from the System Settings panel.

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

Click on Mouse & Touchpad tile in the Settings app to open the panel.

In the System Settings -> Mouse & Touchpad panel, under Touchpad, toggle the Touchpad button to the On position to enable.

The Touchpad section only appears if your system has a touchpad. Also, Touchpad needs to be enabled before you can configure additional settings under Touchpad.

Once Touchpad is enabled, toggle the Natural Scrolling button to the On position to enable.

To disable it, toggle the button to the Off position.

Natural Scrolling can also be turned on for Mouse. Under Mouse, toggle the button for Natural Scrolling to turn on.

That should do it! You can now close the Settings app.

Conclusion:

• Enabling or disabling Natural Scrolling in Ubuntu Linux is a straightforward process that enhances the touchpad or mouse experience.
• Utilizing the System Settings panel or clicking on the System menu allows quick access to the necessary configurations.
• Remember to enable the Touchpad before adjusting settings related to Natural Scrolling.
• Verifying that the Touchpad or Mouse section is available on your system before attempting to configure Natural Scrolling is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions