Complete Action Guide: Apple Trackpad Action Model (2025)

The "Gesture Universe" at a Glance. This guide consolidates every possible trackpad interaction into four logical layers, from basic mechanics to pro-level modifiers.

Layer 1: The Basics (One-Finger Inputs)

The raw input primitives. Everything starts here.

Physical Mechanics
  • Move Cursor Basic
  • Click (Mechanical) Press down
  • Tap (Capacitive) Light touch
  • Force Click Deep press
Common Actions
  • Drag: Click + Move
  • Tap-to-Click: (If enabled)
  • Long Press: Tap + Hold
  • Look Up: Force Click on text

Layer 2: Two-Finger Mastery (Navigation)

The workhorses of daily navigation: scrolling, zooming, and context menus.

Gesture Action Notes
Tap / Click Secondary Click (Right Click) Context menus
Scroll Pan Vertical / Horizontal Natural scrolling direction
Pinch / Spread Zoom In / Out Maps, Photos, Browser
Rotate Rotate Object Twist two fingers
Swipe Left/Right Page Back / Forward Safari, Preview pages

Layer 3: System Control (3 & 4 Fingers)

Managing windows, desktops, and apps. (Settings may vary between 3 or 4 fingers).

Mission Control
Swipe Up

See all open windows and desktops.

App Exposé
Swipe Down

See windows of the current app only.

Switch Desktop
Swipe Left/Right

Move between full-screen apps and spaces.

Launchpad / Desktop
Pinch / Spread

Pinch thumb+3 fingers to see apps; Spread to hide windows.

Layer 4: Pro Power (Modifiers & Special Modes)

Unlock hidden functionality by holding keyboard modifiers while using the trackpad.

Modifier Keys
⇧ Shift
Constrain axis / Horizontal scroll
⌃ Ctrl
Zoom screen / Right click
⌥ Option
Duplicate drag / Resize from center
⌘ Cmd
Marquee select / Non-contiguous select
Special Accessibility Modes
Three-Finger Drag
Moves windows/files without clicking. (Enable in Accessibility settings).
Haptic Feedback
Feel "clicks" when rotating to 0°, snapping objects, or reaching scroll limits.
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