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Work with Trackpad on MacBook?

Winston_1984Winston_1984 Member Posts: 4

Hello. I'm currently learning with onshape, get along better than with freeCAD. What still bothers me is that I can't even work quickly with the trackpad of the MacBook. But don't use a mouse on the go. How can I still move the models?

Best Answer

  • martin_kopplowmartin_kopplow Member Posts: 1,450 PRO
    Answer ✓

    Trackpad isn't ideal (on any laptop) but with a little practice it works for small tasks on the go. I recommend a space mouse. There are compact wireless mobile types available.

    One way to move the model is the arrow keys to rotate and pan. Arrow alone makes small rotaing moves. Shift-Arrow makes larger moves, CTRL-Arrow makes super small moves. CTRL-SHIFT-Arrow pans. Zoom should be rather easy on the track pad.

Answers

  • martin_kopplowmartin_kopplow Member Posts: 1,450 PRO
    Answer ✓

    Trackpad isn't ideal (on any laptop) but with a little practice it works for small tasks on the go. I recommend a space mouse. There are compact wireless mobile types available.

    One way to move the model is the arrow keys to rotate and pan. Arrow alone makes small rotaing moves. Shift-Arrow makes larger moves, CTRL-Arrow makes super small moves. CTRL-SHIFT-Arrow pans. Zoom should be rather easy on the track pad.

  • Winston_1984Winston_1984 Member Posts: 4

    Thank You

  • onshaperonshaper Member, Mentor Posts: 96 ✭✭✭
    edited June 10

    trackpad support in onshape is not good. people will point you towards a space mouse or keyboard commands. but this is a copout on a UX problem worth solving. there is a massive improvement to be had and recommending alternatives doesn't benefit the product at all.

    my recommendation would be space+left click+drag to pan, pinch to zoom (wheel + ctrl or safari pinch apis), and 2d scroll for rotate

  • imants_smidchensimants_smidchens Member Posts: 84 EDU

    Speaking from experience, trackpad is workable with enough practice! I daily drove a chromebook for 4 years, and currently main trackpad on my laptop for Onshape usage. Viable at all levels. Some things that make it feasible:

    • keyboard shortcuts (esp. shift+numbers for view changing)
    • S key menu customization
    • zoom in/out by scrolling instead of pinching
  • Derek_Van_Allen_BDDerek_Van_Allen_BD Member Posts: 989 PRO

    I will say trackpad without a dedicated right mouse button is much more difficult to drive for me than with. I'm glad my home laptop is at least touchscreen to make orbiting easier

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