Level 1

59 points

selecting text with trackpad

Setting up a new MBA. On the old one I could select text by tapping on the trackpad then dragging. Can't find a way in System Settings to configure that. Surely it's still possible. Either way, help appreciated.

MacBook Air, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jun 27, 2023 12:33 PM

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2264 7

11 replies

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 1:29 PM in response to EricWeir

Okay. I found the three finger drag setting. Open System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Trackpad Options…

I guess I need to use my laptop more often. 😎

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 12:54 PM in response to EricWeir

Okay. On my M1 MacBook Air. Open System Settings > Trackpad. You can adjust the settings there. FWIW, I select text by pressing on the trackpad with one finger and dragging.

EricWeir Author

Level 1

59 points

Jun 27, 2023 1:14 PM in response to dialabrain

Thanks. One finger press and drag is a little different from what I had, but it works. I had press lightly with three fingers. Don't see a way to adjust the press required. My muscle memory is with three finger drag. It will change.

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 1:18 PM in response to EricWeir

I think if one is used to trackpads without force touch it can take some getting use to. I don't remember three finger drag to make selections. I'm sure you are right and it was a thing at some point.

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 12:37 PM in response to EricWeir

I would say touch and drag, without too much force.

EricWeir Author

Level 1

59 points

Jun 27, 2023 12:43 PM in response to dialabrain

Thanks. Doesn't work for me by default. I think I used three finder drag. But that doesn't work either. And I don't find a way to set up either in System Settings.

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 12:45 PM in response to EricWeir

It's hard to explain exactly how to explain with text. I'm not on my laptop at the moment or I would point you to the settings.

EricWeir Author

Level 1

59 points

Jun 27, 2023 12:47 PM in response to dialabrain

Thanks. Relieved to know there's a way.

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 12:48 PM in response to EricWeir

Absolutely there's a way. You're welcome.

EricWeir Author

Level 1

59 points

Jun 27, 2023 1:42 PM in response to dialabrain

Woohoo!! Thank you. Don't know how I ever found it there to begin with. But glad to have it back.

dialabrain

Level 10

135,539 points

Jun 27, 2023 1:53 PM in response to EricWeir

You're welcome. It wouldn't have been located there before Ventura.

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selecting text with trackpad