middleclick

Middleclick, or middle-click, refers to pressing the middle button of a mouse, typically the scroll wheel. On most modern mice this button is a distinct input or can be activated by clicking the wheel itself. The action associated with middle-click is determined by the operating system and the application, and it can be customized by user software.

In many web browsers, middle-clicking a hyperlink opens the link in a new tab. Middle-clicking a tab itself typically closes that tab, though behaviors can vary slightly by browser and settings. In some contexts, middle-click actions extend to other interface elements or are mapped to different functions by applications or drivers.

Autoscroll is another common middle-click feature in several browsers. Pressing and holding the middle button engages autoscroll, and moving the mouse scrolls the page until the button is released. This offers an alternative way to navigate long documents or pages without using scroll bars or keyboard input.

In Linux and other environments that use the X Window System, the middle mouse button is commonly bound to paste from the primary selection—the text or data you last selected—into the focused location. This behavior is separate from the standard clipboard and can be disabled or altered in some setups.

Hardware and software variations mean middle-click behavior can differ by mouse model, driver, desktop environment, and application. Users may remap the middle button to other actions to fit accessibility needs or personal preferences.