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There are many functions hidden inside your computers’ tiny companion! A ‘click’ and a ‘double click’ perform totally different actions, and it is quite important to know the difference between the two. This post will be focused on clicking into the left side or button of your mouse, though, we have another post where you can learn the difference between a left and right click!
Click vs Double Click
A ‘click’ is a single press into the top left of your mouse. You should be able feel and, possibly, hear a completed ‘click’.
In order to effectively perform a ‘double click’, you must click twice, rapidly. Otherwise, your device will register it as two single clicks.
The General Rule
- On a computer, one click will select something, while two clicks will open or run that thing.
- Any program or file that becomes highlighted after a single click, will require a double click in order to open or launch it
- On a phone or tablet, one tap will open or run the thing. Holding your finger down on the icon (a long tap) will select it.
Some Exceptions
- Menu items only require a single click. (ex. the dropdown menus that appear under “File” or “Edit”)
- Buttons only require a single click. (ex. “Submit”, “Save As”, “Cancel”, etc.)
- In a web browser, like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, most actions require one click.
- On the task bar or dock, a single click will open the program. On the desktop, a double click is required to open a program or document.
- In a word processing program like Microsoft Word, a single click sets the text insertion point, and a double clicks selects a word, while a triple click selects the paragraph.
Try it out
So go ahead and try one click first, and if that doesn’t do what you wanted, try two clicks. Make sure to watch for signs of activity because continuing to click after the initial action has begun will only slow down the result and may actually perform additional actions that you are not expecting.
Continue Learning about the Mouse
Want to learn more functions of the mouse? Check out our other blog posts about it:
In ‘How to Use a Mouse: Right click or left click?‘, we will teach you the difference between the two buttons on the top of the mouse.
Our blog post ‘How to Practice with a Mouse‘ lists a couple of great websites that feature fun games where you can practice using a mouse!
How to Change Your Mouse Pointer Settings walks you through how to customize your mouse’s color and size!
