Right clicking is a computer term that refers to the action of clicking a mouse button with the cursor placed on a certain item or an area of the screen. This action usually brings up a context menu with different options related to the item. On a laptop or tablet, the right click action is usually performed by pressing and holding on the item or area of the screen.
What Are the Benefits of Right Clicking?
Right clicking provides many benefits to users. It is the quickest way to access commonly used commands, such as cut, copy and paste. Right clicking also allows you to quickly access additional options, such as viewing a picture in its original size or opening a new window with the same settings as the current window. Right clicking can also be used to quickly access shortcuts to programs and files on your computer.
When to Use Right Click on a Tablet
Right clicking on a tablet can be used for many of the same reasons as right clicking on a laptop or desktop computer. For instance, right clicking on a picture can bring up options to view the image in its original size or open the folder containing the picture. Similarly, right clicking on a file or folder can bring up options to open, rename or delete the item. Right clicking is also often used to quickly access shortcuts to programs and files on a tablet.
How to Right Click on a Tablet
Right-clicking on a tablet is a bit different than it is on a laptop or desktop computer, as the former does not have a mouse. Depending on the type of device and its operating system, you have several options for performing a right-click.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
If your tablet has a physical keyboard, you can use keyboard shortcuts to right-click. On Windows tablets, the shortcut is typically the Windows Key + X. On Mac tablets, the shortcut is usually Command + Control.
Using a Mouse or Touchpad
If your tablet has a compatible mouse or touchpad, you can use them to right-click. On Windows tablets, you have to press the right mouse button to do so. On Mac tablets, you have to press the Control key + left mouse button.
Using a Stylus
If your tablet has a stylus, you can use it to right-click. On Windows tablets, you have to press and hold the stylus on the item you want to right-click on for a few seconds. On Mac tablets, you have to press and hold the Control key + tap the item you want to right-click on.
Using Gestures
If your tablet doesn’t have a keyboard, mouse, or stylus, you can still right-click using gestures. On Windows tablets, you have to press and hold your finger on the item you want to right-click for a few seconds. On Mac tablets, you have to press and hold the Control key + tap the item you want to right-click on. Regardless of the method you use, once you perform a right-click, a menu will appear with options for you to select from. This menu will typically include options such as Copy, Cut, Paste, and Delete. You can then select the option you want and your tablet will perform the corresponding action.