How to Simulate Right-Click in Ubuntu Linux
Simulating a right-click in Ubuntu Linux lets you open shortcut menus without a physical right button, which helps if your mouse or touchpad lacks one. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions build this feature straight into the system settings.
Press and hold the left mouse button on your screen for a short moment. A small circle appears, and releasing the button after it fills up opens the right-click menu .
Hold the left mouse button down to simulate a right-click. Access this option by going to System Settings, then Accessibility, and enabling “Simulated Secondary Click” under Click Assist. You can adjust the delay before the click registers.
How to simulate right-click with the left mouse button in Ubuntu Linux
Changing a setting in the system control panel lets you simulate a right-click in Ubuntu Linux using your left mouse button. Single-button mice or physical clicking difficulties make this feature particularly useful for opening context menus.
Enabling or disabling this functionality takes only a few moments.
Ubuntu centralizes most of its configuration options. Managing everything from system setups to user creation happens inside the System Settings panel.
Alternatively, click the System menu located at the top-right corner of the desktop bar.
Choose Settings from the System menu, as highlighted below.
Open the panel by clicking the Settings app, then select the Accessibility tile.
Head to the System Settings -> Accessibility panel, look under Pointing & Clicking, and select the Click Assist tile to expand it.
Toggle the Simulated Secondary Click switch to the On position within the Click Assist pop-up window.
Flipping the switch back to the Off position turns off the feature.
Adjusting the Acceptance delay changes the required hold time before the system registers a right-click.
Closing the Settings app finishes the configuration process.
Conclusion:
- Simulated Secondary Click allows users to simulate right-click actions by holding down the left mouse button
- Changing the Acceptance delay can customize the duration required to hold down the left mouse button before it's recognized as a right click
- Ubuntu Linux's centralized System Settings panel provides an accessible location to toggle the Simulated Secondary Click feature on or off
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Richard
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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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