MiddleClick

A macOS app that converts three-finger trackpad clicks to middle clicks, perfect for closing browser tabs and other middle-click actions.

Features

• Background Operation: Runs silently in the background with a menu bar icon
• Three-Finger Detection: Detects three-finger trackpad gestures and converts them to middle clicks
• Easy Control: Simple menu bar interface to enable/disable the feature
• Permission Management: Automatic handling of accessibility permissions
• Cross-Application Support: Works with any application that supports middle clicks

Requirements

• macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
• Built-in trackpad or Magic Trackpad
• Xcode 12.0 or later (for building from source)
• Accessibility permissions (granted automatically on first run)

Installation

Option 1: Homebrew (Recommended)

Install directly from the repository using Homebrew:

brew install --build-from-source https://raw.githubusercontent.com/WinkyTy/MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick/main/Formula/middleclick.rb

Option 2: Build from Source

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/WinkyTy/MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick.git
   cd MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick

2. Open in Xcode:

   open MiddleClick.xcodeproj

3. Build the project:

   • In Xcode, press ⌘+B to build
   • Or use the build script: ./build.sh

4. Run the app:

   • In Xcode, press ⌘+R to run
   • Or run from command line: open build/Release/MiddleClick.app

Option 3: Using the Build Script

1. Clone and build:

   git clone https://github.com/WinkyTy/MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick.git
   cd MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick
   chmod +x build.sh
   ./build.sh

Option 4: Manual Build

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/WinkyTy/MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick.git
   cd MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick

2. Build using xcodebuild:

   xcodebuild -project MiddleClick.xcodeproj -scheme MiddleClick -configuration Release

3. Run the app:

   open build/Release/MiddleClick.app

First Run Setup

1. Launch the App

After installation, launch the MiddleClick app. You'll see a grid icon appear in your menu bar.

2. Grant Accessibility Permissions

When you first run the app, you'll be prompted to grant accessibility permissions:

1. Click "Open System Preferences" when prompted
2. Navigate to: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility
3. Add MiddleClick to the list:
   • Click the lock icon to make changes
   • Click the "+" button
   • Navigate to your app location and select MiddleClick
   • Check the box next to MiddleClick
4. Restart the app if needed

3. Enable the Feature

1. Click the grid icon in your menu bar
2. Select "Enable Middle Click" from the menu
3. Verify the icon is filled (indicating the feature is active)

Usage

Menu Bar Interface

The app appears as a grid icon in your menu bar:

• 🟦 Filled Grid Icon: Feature is enabled and active
• ⚪ Outline Grid Icon: Feature is disabled

Menu Options

• Enable/Disable Middle Click: Toggle the three-finger to middle-click conversion
• Status: Shows current status (Enabled/Disabled)
• About MiddleClick: Information about the app
• Open System Preferences: Quick access to accessibility settings
• Quit: Exit the application

How to Use

1. Ensure the feature is enabled (filled grid icon in menu bar)
2. Perform a three-finger click on your trackpad
3. The app will convert it to a middle click at the same location
4. Perfect for:
   • Closing browser tabs
   • Opening links in new tabs
   • Other middle-click actions in any application

Testing the App

1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
2. Open multiple tabs
3. Enable MiddleClick from the menu bar
4. Try a three-finger click on a tab
5. The tab should close (middle-click behavior)

Troubleshooting

App Not Working

1. Check Permissions:

   • System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility
   • Ensure MiddleClick is checked and enabled

2. Restart the App:

   • Quit MiddleClick from the menu bar
   • Relaunch the application

3. Check Menu Bar Status:

   • Ensure the feature is enabled (filled grid icon)
   • Check the status in the menu

Three-Finger Gestures Not Detected

1. Verify Trackpad Settings:

   • System Preferences > Trackpad
   • Ensure "Tap to click" and other gestures are enabled

2. Try Different Gestures:

   • Three-finger click (press down)
   • Three-finger tap (light tap)
   • Three-finger swipe

3. Check App Status:

   • Ensure MiddleClick is enabled in the menu bar
   • Verify accessibility permissions are granted

Middle Clicks Not Working in Some Apps

• Application Limitations: Some applications may not respond to programmatically generated middle clicks
• Browser Compatibility: Works best with modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
• System Apps: May have limited support in some system applications

Build Issues

1. Xcode Version:

   • Ensure you have Xcode 12.0 or later
   • Update Xcode if needed

2. Build Errors:

   • Clean the project: Product > Clean Build Folder in Xcode
   • Delete derived data: Window > Projects > Click arrow next to project > Delete

3. Permission Issues:

   • Ensure you have admin privileges
   • Check that the project is in a writable location

Homebrew Installation Issues

1. Update Homebrew:

   brew update

2. Check Formula:

   brew info middleclick

3. Reinstall:

   brew uninstall middleclick
   brew install --build-from-source https://raw.githubusercontent.com/WinkyTy/MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick/main/Formula/middleclick.rb

4. Install with Verbose Output:

   brew install --build-from-source --verbose https://raw.githubusercontent.com/WinkyTy/MacOS-Trackpad-MiddleClick/main/Formula/middleclick.rb

Development

Project Structure

MiddleClick/
├── MiddleClick/
│   ├── MiddleClickApp.swift      # Main app delegate
│   ├── StatusBarController.swift # Menu bar interface
│   ├── TrackpadHandler.swift     # Gesture detection
│   ├── ContentView.swift         # Unused (background app)
│   ├── Info.plist               # App configuration
│   └── Assets.xcassets/         # App assets
├── MiddleClickTests/            # Unit tests
├── MiddleClickUITests/          # UI tests
├── Formula/                     # Homebrew formula
│   ├── middleclick.rb          # Homebrew formula
│   └── README.md               # Formula documentation
├── scripts/                     # Build and release scripts
│   └── create-release.sh       # Release creation script
├── build.sh                     # Build script
└── README.md                    # This file

Key Components

1. Event Monitoring: Uses NSEvent monitors to detect trackpad gestures
2. CGEvent Tap: Alternative method for intercepting mouse events
3. Accessibility Integration: Proper permission handling and status checking
4. Background Operation: Runs as a menu bar app without dock icon

Building for Distribution

1. Archive the project in Xcode:

   • Product > Archive
   • Select "Distribute App"
   • Choose "Copy App"

2. Create DMG (optional):

   • Use Disk Utility to create a disk image
   • Drag the app to the disk image
   • Eject and distribute

Creating Releases

1. Create a Release:

   ./scripts/create-release.sh 1.0.0 "Initial release"

2. Update Formula (if needed):

   • The formula will be automatically updated with the correct SHA256
   • Commit and push the changes

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature-name
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

License

This project is open source. Feel free to modify and distribute according to your needs.

Support

If you encounter any issues:

1. Check the troubleshooting section above
2. Open an issue on GitHub with:
   • macOS version
   • Xcode version
   • Detailed error description
   • Steps to reproduce

Changelog

Version 1.0

• Initial release
• Three-finger to middle-click conversion
• Menu bar interface
• Accessibility permission handling
• Background operation
• Homebrew formula support

---

Enjoy using MiddleClick! 🖱️✨