Perform Modifier Clicks

Hold the modifier, then click#

In Command Mode, holding Command, Control, or Option passes the combination through to the system rather than reading letters as command sequences. So a click performed while you hold a modifier arrives at the app as a modifier click.

The practical sequence:

1. Get the cursor onto the target with Element Mode, Grid Mode, or Find Mode.
2. Hold the modifier you need.
3. Trigger the click, by shortcut or by pressing Enter for a click at the cursor position.

This is how you Command-click a link to open it in a new tab, or Shift-click to extend a selection in a list.

Use bound shortcuts#

Modifier-held sequences are easier when the click itself is a bound shortcut rather than a letter sequence, since letters are what modifiers suppress. Bind command.moveCursorToElementAndLeftClick to a shortcut and you can hold any modifier while triggering it. See Choosing a Usage Style.

Note the reference-rectangle overlap#

In Mouse Control Mode, Command, Option, and Control change the reference rectangle instead. Move first and hold modifiers second, so the two meanings do not collide.

Next#

• Select Text by Simulating a Drag
• Use Cases index