Click describes the action of pressing a mouse button (usually the left mouse button, if the mouse has two buttons) one or more times. The action performed when clicking the mouse depends on the computer and program you’re using.

Below are the general ways to click a computer mouse and their actions. As mentioned above, these actions can vary by program.

A laptop touchpad has two buttons that act like the two buttons on a desktop computer mouse.

Types of mouse clicks and mouse click options

Single-click

Pressing and releasing the mouse button to select a button, icon, file menu, or another object. For example, when you single-click a hyperlink in a browser, that link is opened. With a mouse with two or more buttons, the single-click defaults to the left mouse button, also known as left-clicking.

  • Types of mouse clicks and mouse click options.
  • Which finger should I use to click?
  • Practice clicking.
  • How to click without a mouse.
  • Why won’t my mouse click?
  • How do I click on a smartphone or tablet?
  • Related information.

Double-click

Pressing the default mouse button twice quickly opens or executes a program or opens a file. For example, in Microsoft Windows or most other operating systems double-clicking a program icon opens (executes) that program. If you have an icon for a web browser on your desktop, you would have double-clicked that icon to open the browser.

For right-handed users, the left click is done with the index finger on the right hand.

When dealing with text, double-clicking text selects the entire word clicked.

Not all areas of Windows and other operating systems require a double-click to open a program. For example, icons in the Windows Taskbar only require a single click. If you’re unsure if a single or double-click is required, try a single click first; if the object remains highlighted and doesn’t open, try double-clicking.

Click-and-drag

Clicking, holding down the mouse button, and moving the mouse) is used to highlight or drag-select text or objects. For example, in the animated image below, we’re clicking and dragging the mouse cursor to highlight all text in the first sentence.

See our double-click page for further information about double-clicking and examples of double-clicking text.

Triple-click

Pressing the button three times quickly selects a paragraph of text, as shown in the animated picture above.

Right-click

Pressing the alternate mouse button, which is often the right mouse button, to perform a special action. For example, right-clicking the mouse button in Microsoft Windows brings up the right-click menu with additional options for whatever was clicked. In Microsoft Word, right-clicking in the word processor would give you opens like the ability to cut and copy text.

Tripple-clicking in the top-left portion of the document area when the mouse is a pointer highlights the entire document. However, this tip doesn’t work if you’re clicking in the header.

Middle-click

Pressing the middle button on a three-button mouse or using the mouse wheel as a button performs a pre-programmed option. This option may be configured in your operating system mouse settings or sometimes in the program. For example, in most Internet browsers, using the mouse wheel as a button on a link opens that link in a new tab.

For right-handed users, the right-click is done with the middle finger on the right hand.

Ctrl-click

The function of Ctrl+click varies on where and how it’s being used. It can select multiple files or objects, open links in a new tab, and open hyperlinks. See our Ctrl+click for further information, instructions, and examples.

Shift-click

Doing a single click, holding down Shift, and single clicking again somewhere else on the text highlights all text, icons, or another set of objects between the two clicks. See our Shift-click page for further information, instructions, and interactive examples.

Thumb click

Many new desktop mice also have buttons for the thumb that can be programmed to perform different actions. One of these buttons is often programmed to go back in a browser.

Which finger should I use to click?

The index finger on the right hand is used for what is called a selective click. However, left-handed people may reverse the mouse buttons to make the middle finger the click finger.

  • How to change the left and right mouse buttons.

Practice clicking

Use the following text box to practice clicking.

Practice clicking by double-clicking any word to select the word. You can also triple-click this paragraph to select the entire paragraph.

For further assistance with using a mouse, visit the following link.

  • How to use a computer mouse.

How to click without a mouse

Using a keyboard, you can perform the same action as a click by pressing either spacebar or Enter on the keyboard. For example, pressing Tab repeatedly lets you navigate through the links on this page, and pressing Enter opens the highlighted link.

If you need to right-click with a keyboard, see our right-click page for further information and examples.

Why won’t my mouse click?

This issue usually arises when the mouse needs a driver update, new batteries, or faulty.

  • How to install and update a computer driver.
  • Mouse and touchpad help and support.
  • Mouse not detected or working in Windows.

How do I click on a smartphone or tablet?

A smartphone, tablet, and any device that uses a touch screen does not use a mouse and therefore cannot “click.” However, most actions that tell you to “click” are the same as a “tap.” For example, you could click or tap any of the links on this page to open them.

Click fraud, Double-click, Drag, Drag-and-drop, Drag-select, Hover, Mouse, Mouse button, Mouse terms, Right-click

  • How to use a computer mouse.
  • Top 10 computer mouse tips everyone should know.
  • How to increase or decrease the mouse double-click speed.
  • Mouse and touchpad help and support.