At first glance, the track pad on MacBooks and MacBook Pros looks quite elementary. There are no buttons on the trackpad and those unfamiliar with Apples may mistakenly believe that the MacBook trackpad offers little functionality. However, don’t let the single pane track pad fool you. There is much more to this trackpad than meets the eye. Take a moment to learn all you can do with the trackpad on the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
Single Finger: By applying only one finger to the trackpad, Apple MacBook users can move the cursor around the screen. This is as expected, and much like other lap top computers. However, by adjusting the customized trackpad settings, single finger application can perform other functions as well. If desired, you can set your MacBook so that by tapping anywhere on the trackpad acts like clicking on a mouse button. Or if you prefer, you can customize your trackpad so that the click function only works by tapping on the bottom right or bottom left corner.
Two Fingers: Applying two fingers to the trackpad changes the game entirely. Apple MacBook users primarily use two fingers for scrolling up and down on a page. However, there are other uses for two-finger application as well. By touching the trackpad with the thumb and forefinger and then spreading them apart, it serves as a zoom. Conversely, by bringing the thumb and forefinger closer together, it zooms out on text and other content on the page. Also, by turning the thumb and forefinger either clockwise or counter clockwise, MacBook users can rotate the text or picture on the screen. Additionally, moving two fingers from left to right or right to left, serves as a back or forward function on Web pages. Finally, users can customize their MacBook so that tapping two fingers on the track pad serves as a secondary click.
Three Fingers: Using three fingers on the trackpad also provides users with a distinct function. By swiping three fingers down the trackpad, users bring up the navigation bar. This allows Apple MacBook users to quickly navigate between applications.
Four Fingers: New to MacBooks this year is the four finger function on the trackpad. When users swipe four fingers down the track pad, it exposes all of the open windows. Users can then quickly navigate between any window they have open. By swiping four fingers up the trackpad, users reveal the desktop. This is a helpful addition to the Macbook that makes it even more user friendly and efficient.
Learning Curve: Learning the variety of functions on the trackpad may seem overwhelming, but it actually is quite simple. Most Apple MacBook users report that after only a day or two, they are fully familiar with the trackpad and all that it can do. While it may appear very ordinary and plain, the MacBook track pad provides everything users need to maximize their time on their laptops.
