⚙️ Trackpad Settings on macOS

Tune your trackpad for peak performance. This guide walks through key macOS settings and recommended options for Trackpad Ninja Dojo practice.

Where to find settings

  • System Settings → Trackpad (primary gestures, click, tap, tracking speed)
  • System Settings → Accessibility → Pointer Control → Trackpad Options… (dragging styles, inertia)

System Settings → Trackpad

The main Trackpad pane controls core behaviors and gestures.

System Settings → Trackpad main pane
Main Trackpad settings: tracking speed, tap‑to‑click, secondary click, and gesture toggles.
  • Tracking speed: Set to a comfortable mid‑high value for quick targeting.
  • Tap to click: Optional; enables light taps instead of full clicks.
  • Secondary click: Two‑finger click recommended.
  • Look up & data detectors: Force click or three‑finger tap (if supported).
  • More Gestures: Enable three‑finger swipes for Mission Control/App Exposé if you use them.

Pointer Control → Trackpad Options

Use this panel to enable three‑finger drag, adjust scroll inertia, and set drag style.

Pointer Control → Trackpad Options
Trackpad Options menu.
Dragging gesture
Three-finger drag in action.
Spring loading
Spring loading allows you to hover over folders to open them while dragging.
  • Use trackpad for dragging: Enable to allow drag without clicking.
  • Dragging style: Three Finger Drag for fast window/object movement.
  • Use inertia when scrolling: On for natural scrolling momentum (optional preference).
  • Scroll speed: Start mid‑range; adjust based on screen size and preference.

Scroll & Zoom

Control how you navigate and view content.

Zoom and Rotate settings
Pinch to zoom and rotate gestures.

More Gestures

Advanced window management and navigation.

Swipe between pages
Swipe between pages and full-screen apps.
Mission Control
Mission Control and App Exposé gestures.
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