How to Simulate Right-Click in Ubuntu Linux

This post describes steps to simulate right-click by holding down the left mouse button in Ubuntu Linux.

In a modern operating system, the left click (or left mouse button) selects and opens items, and then the right click (or right mouse button) is used to activate the context menu or object options.

People who find it difficult to move their fingers individually on one hand, or if their pointing device only has one, can simulate right clicks by holding the left mouse button.

When this is enabled, hold down the left mouse button where you would normally right-click; then, the release will perform right-click actions.

The pointer fills with a different color as you press the left mouse button.

Below is how to enable or disable Simulated Secondary Click in Ubuntu Linux.

How to simulate right-click with the left mouse button in Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned above, people who find it difficult to move their fingers individually on one hand, or if their pointing device only has a single button, can simulate right clicks by holding the left mouse button.

Below is how to enable or disable in Ubuntu Linux.

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.

In the Settings app, click on the Accessibility tile to open the panel.

In the System Settings -> Accessibility panel, under Pointing & Clicking, select Click Assist tile to expand.

On the Click Assist pop-up window, toggle the Simulated Secondary Click switch to the On position to enable.

To disable it, toggle the switch back to the Off position.

Changing the Acceptance delay can change how long you must hold down the left mouse button before it is registered as a right click.

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

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