singleclick

Singleclick is a term used in human–computer interaction to describe an interaction pattern in which a single mouse click triggers the primary action on a user interface element. Depending on the system or application, a single click may select an item, activate it, or open it, while some interfaces reserve opening or launching for a double-click. The choice between single-click and double-click behavior reflects trade-offs between speed, precision, and discoverability.

In traditional desktop environments, many file managers separate selecting and opening; a double-click opens files and folders, while a single-click merely selects. Some systems and web applications, however, allow or prefer single-click activation to reduce effort and increase efficiency. Users may enable configurations that switch to single-click-to-open or single-click-to-select, depending on platform and personal preference.

Implementation considerations involve how events are bound in the software. In software development, single-click behavior is typically implemented by handling a click event rather than a double-click event, or by providing a configurable option that maps the primary action to one click. Web applications must carefully balance single-click and double-click semantics, as some users expect double-click to perform opening. When both are supported, developers often distinguish between a click for selection and a double-click for opening, or use a deliberate timeout to differentiate actions.

Accessibility and usability concerns accompany the singleclick approach. It can improve speed for experienced users but may increase mis-clicks or unintended activations for some users, especially those with motor impairments. UI designers should provide clear feedback, accessible labels, and the option to switch to more traditional two-click behavior if needed.