Single-click Mouse to Open Setting Missing?

You can change the delay to open the Dock, if you like.

defaults write com.apple.dock "autohide-delay" -float "0.2" && killall Dock

You can use a smaller or larger number instead of 0.2.

(FWIW, I used the above command with 5 to prevent the Dock from popping up accidentally; but then I don’t use the Dock at all)

You need to double-click a file or app in the Finder. Or single-click in the Dock. You can right-click on a file or folder and chose Open from the drop down menu.

EverymanToo wrote:

So, no single click on a desktop shortcut?

Correct.

The dock, when hidden, is slow to load in my experience...

My Dock pops open instantly. Well, technically there's probably some microsecond delay.

dialabrain wrote:

I'm surprised it takes two tenths of a second. 🤔

That was just an example of use of that command. I don’t know what the default delay is. I set it to 5 seconds because I don’t use or need the Dock, and that is enough to prevent it from accidentally appearing if I move the cursor to the area. I also put it on one side to more out of the way.

Just to add, you can change whether a left or right click opens the menu to chose Open in System Settings > Mouse > Secondary click.

I'm surprised it takes two tenths of a second. 🤔