How to middle click on a Mac trackpad or mouse

Mac trackpads have no middle click. The built in equivalents for opening links in new tabs and closing tabs, and where a real middle button still helps.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

Is there a middle click on a Mac trackpad?

No. A trackpad has a click and a secondary click, set in Trackpad, Point & Click. Extra apps can turn a three finger tap into a middle click, but the built in keys cover most of what it was for.

What do I use instead?

Middle click didOn a Mac
Open link in new tab⌘ click the link
Close a tab⌘ W, or hover the tab and click its close button
Paste on Linux⌘ V
Scroll in any directionTwo fingers on the trackpad

Does a mouse's middle button work?

Yes. A mouse with a middle button or a clickable wheel middle clicks as usual in browsers and apps that support it. In System Settings, Desktop & Dock, Shortcuts…, you can also set Middle Mouse Button to open Mission Control, App Exposé or Show Desktop.

More mouse buttons: Logitech mouse gestures and Magic Mouse gestures. Tabs and windows: open links in a new window.

Checked on 22 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1: Point & Click was read from Trackpad settings, and Middle Mouse Button from Desktop & Dock, Shortcuts.

Questions

How do I middle click on a MacBook?

There is no built in middle click on a trackpad. Command click opens links in new tabs, which is the usual reason for it.

Does a middle mouse button work on Mac?

Yes, and it can be set to open Mission Control in Desktop & Dock shortcuts.

How do I open a link in a new tab without middle click?

Hold Command and click the link.

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