BetterTouchTool: Become a Power Trackpad User

SteerMouse and the Evolution to BetterTouchTool

For a considerable period, SteerMouse has remained a highly valued and frequently utilized application on my macOS system. This robust preferences program facilitates extensive customization of buttons found on both USB and Bluetooth mice.

With SteerMouse, users can assign keystroke menu items and a variety of other mouse button actions. This functionality significantly enhances workflow efficiency, proving to be substantially faster than relying on memorized keyboard shortcuts.

Enhanced Productivity for Mac Users

The benefits of this program are particularly pronounced for Mac users heavily invested in applications such as iPhoto or Aperture. It also proves invaluable for those who spend significant time browsing the internet.

SteerMouse empowers users to perform actions like closing Safari tabs, deleting emails, or saving documents with a single button press. This is achieved without requiring any movement of the hand from the mouse.

Introducing BetterTouchTool

The core technology that made SteerMouse so effective has now been extended to support Apple’s MagicMouse, Magic Trackpad, and the integrated trackpads found on MacBook laptops.

This expanded functionality is delivered through an application called BetterTouchTool. In my assessment, it deserves recognition as the Application of the Year.

The reason for this strong endorsement will be detailed below, outlining the ways in which BetterTouchTool builds upon the foundation laid by SteerMouse and elevates the user experience.

Functionality Overview

Mac users familiar with Trackpad or Magic Trackpad functionality are likely aware of the ability to assign actions to two, three, and four-finger gestures. These actions can encompass features like activating Exposé, application switching via left/right swipes, or image rotation within Preview. BetterTouchTool significantly expands upon these capabilities, offering a greatly enhanced gesture control experience.

The application boasts a comprehensive library of over 100 customizable gestures and actions, compatible with both trackpads and Magic Mouse devices. The sheer breadth of options available within BetterTouchTool promises a substantial improvement in MacBook Air navigation.

Gesture Customization Options

Users can configure gestures to trigger a wide range of commands. These include opening specific files or URLs, initiating computer sleep mode, generating new files within existing folders, and displaying the window switcher for the currently active application.

Further customization allows for hiding or revealing all open windows. For users with dual-monitor setups, gestures can be assigned to swiftly transfer the primary display to a secondary monitor – a particularly useful feature.

BetterTouchTool provides a powerful and versatile solution for those seeking to optimize their Mac workflow through advanced gesture control.

Initial Setup and Configuration

The application’s setup process is straightforward, as the on-screen instructions are quite comprehensive. Upon the initial launch of the program, its Preferences window will automatically appear. Alternatively, the application can be accessed through your computer’s menu bar for convenient control.

Within the Preferences window, you have the ability to designate settings for various input devices, including your Magic Mouse, Trackpad/Magic Trackpad, Keyboard, and standard Mouse.