How to change scroll direction on mac
Are you tired of scrolling in the opposite direction on your Mac compared to other devices? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users find the default scroll direction on a Mac to be confusing and counterintuitive. However, you’ll be relieved to know that changing the scroll direction on your Mac is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps.
To change the scroll direction on your Mac, first, go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” From there, click on the “Trackpad” or “Mouse” icon, depending on the type of input device you are using.
Next, navigate to the “Scroll & Zoom” tab, and you will see a checkbox that says “Scroll direction: natural.” By default, this checkbox is selected, indicating that the scroll direction is set to what Apple refers to as “natural scrolling.” Uncheck this box to reverse the scroll direction and make it more consistent with other devices.
Once you’ve unchecked the box, you’ll notice an immediate change in the scroll direction. Scrolling up on the trackpad or mouse will now move the content down, while scrolling down will move the content up, just like on other devices. This change can be especially helpful if you frequently switch between your Mac and other computers or devices.
Remember, if you ever want to switch back to the original scroll direction, simply go back to the “Trackpad” or “Mouse” settings and check the “Scroll direction: natural” box again. Now you can enjoy a scroll direction that feels more comfortable and consistent across all your devices.
Change Scroll Direction on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide
Mac users who are accustomed to a different scroll direction may find it frustrating when using a Mac for the first time. By default, the scroll direction on a Mac is set to scroll down when you move your fingers up on the trackpad or mouse. However, some users prefer the opposite scroll direction, where moving your fingers up on the trackpad or mouse scrolls up on the screen.
If you want to change the scroll direction on your Mac, here’s a step-by-step guide to show you how:
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Click on the Apple icon on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Step 2: Access Trackpad or Mouse Settings
In the System Preferences window, look for the “Trackpad” or “Mouse” icon, depending on whether you’re using a trackpad or mouse. Click on the respective icon to access the settings.
Step 3: Change Scroll Direction
In the Trackpad or Mouse settings, navigate to the “Scroll & Zoom” tab. Here, you’ll find the option to change the scroll direction. Tick the box that says “Scroll direction: natural” if you prefer the default scroll direction. If you want to change the scroll direction, leave the box unticked.
Step 4: Verify the New Scroll Direction
After making the changes, test the scroll direction by moving your fingers up or down on the trackpad or mouse. The scroll direction should now be changed according to your preference. If not, you may need to restart your Mac for the changes to take effect.
Following these steps will help you change the scroll direction on your Mac to your liking. Experiment with different settings to find the scroll direction that feels most comfortable for you.
Changing Scroll Direction Settings in Mac System Preferences
If you’re using a Mac and want to change the scroll direction settings, it can easily be done through the System Preferences. Whether you’re more comfortable with a traditional or natural scrolling experience, Mac allows you to customize this feature according to your preference.
Here’s how you can change the scroll direction settings in Mac System Preferences:
Step 1: Open System Preferences
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, and then select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Access Mouse or Trackpad Settings
Once you are in the System Preferences window, locate the “Mouse” or “Trackpad” icon and click on it.
Step 3: Adjust Scroll Direction
In the Mouse or Trackpad settings, you’ll find a tab or option labeled “Scroll Direction” or “Natural Scrolling”. Click on it to access the scroll direction settings.
Note: The labeling may vary depending on whether you’re using a mouse or trackpad.
For Mouse:
If you’re using a mouse, you will likely see a checkbox labeled “Scroll direction: natural”. Uncheck this box to disable natural scrolling and invert the scroll direction.
For Trackpad:
If you’re using a trackpad, you might see a checkbox labeled “Scroll direction: natural”. Uncheck this box to disable natural scrolling and change the scroll direction to the traditional method.
Once you have adjusted the scroll direction settings according to your preference, you can close the System Preferences window. The changes you made will take effect immediately.
Note: If you’re using a multi-touch trackpad, you may also find additional options to customize specific gestures for scrolling.
By following these simple steps, you can easily change the scroll direction settings on your Mac and enjoy a scroll experience tailored to your liking.
Using a Third-Party App to Customize Scroll Direction
If you are not comfortable with adjusting system settings or prefer a more visually intuitive method, you can use a third-party app to customize the scroll direction on your Mac. These apps provide additional customization options and come with easy-to-use interfaces, making it simple to personalize your scrolling experience. Here are a few popular third-party apps to consider:
1. Scroll Reverser
Scroll Reverser is a lightweight app that allows you to reverse the scroll direction independently for the trackpad and mouse on your Mac. It offers a simple interface with minimal options, making it easy to use for beginners. You can download Scroll Reverser for free from their official website.
2. Mos
Mos is another popular app that offers various customization options for scrolling and mouse cursor settings. It allows you to invert the scroll direction, adjust acceleration, and change the scroll speed. Mos also provides additional features like customizable keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures, and cursor enhancements. You can download Mos for free from their official website.
3. SensibleSideButtons
SensibleSideButtons is a great app if you use a mouse with additional side buttons on your Mac. Along with scroll direction customization, it enables you to remap the side buttons to perform different actions like navigating forward and backward in web browsers or switching between apps. SensibleSideButtons is available for free on their official website.
Before using any third-party app, make sure to research and read reviews to ensure compatibility with your Mac operating system version. Always download apps from trusted sources to avoid potential security risks.
Using a third-party app to change the scroll direction allows for a more personalized scrolling experience, tailored to your preferences. These apps offer a user-friendly interface and additional features that can enhance your overall Mac navigation and productivity. Try them out and find the one that suits your needs the best!
Reversing Scroll Direction using Terminal Command
If you prefer to reverse the scroll direction on your Mac, you can easily do so using a Terminal command. The Terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to access and change various settings on your computer.
To reverse the scroll direction, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Terminal
Go to the Applications folder on your Mac and open the Utilities folder. Then, launch the Terminal app.
Step 2: Enter the Command
In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.swipescrolldirection -bool true
This command tells your Mac to reverse the scroll direction.
Step 3: Restart the Mac
After entering the command, you need to restart your Mac for the changes to take effect. Restart your computer by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting “Restart…”
Once your Mac restarts, the scroll direction should be reversed. You can now scroll up by swiping down on your trackpad or using the scroll gesture on your mouse, and vice versa.
If you ever want to revert back to the default scroll direction, you can open Terminal again and enter the following command:
defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.swipescrolldirection -bool false
Remember to restart your Mac after entering the command to apply the changes.
By following these simple steps, you can easily reverse the scroll direction on your Mac to better suit your preferences.
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