multiclick

Multiclick is a term used in computer user interfaces to describe the recognition and handling of multiple mouse clicks within a short time frame. The most common forms are double-click and triple-click, though higher-order patterns exist in some applications.

Detection is usually performed by the input subsystem of the operating system or by the program itself. It involves counting successive click events and measuring the elapsed time between them against a predefined threshold. If the number of clicks matches the configured count within the threshold, the system dispatches a corresponding action; otherwise the clicks are treated separately.

Variations exist across platforms, with different default thresholds for what constitutes a rapid sequence. Users can often adjust the speed of double-clicks or the general mouse sensitivity, altering how readily multiclicks are recognized. Applications may implement custom responses for double- or triple-clicks, such as opening a file, selecting a word or line, or issuing a command.

Design considerations include minimizing accidental multiclicks due to fast clicking, and ensuring accessibility for users with motor control challenges. Some interfaces offer single-click-to-open options or slow-down features to improve reliability.

In programming, multiclick events are commonly exposed through event handlers or input APIs that expose a click count or differentiate by click type. Understanding multiclick is important for developers designing intuitive user interactions.