Customize your trackpad gestures
BetterTouchTool is a personalization application developed by Andreas Hegenberg for Mac users. Free to download and use, this tool allows users to customize different types of gestures in their trackpads. With it, you can modify the trackpad operation for their whole system or individual applications.
However, users will find that the BetterTouchTool is not for inexperienced users. Unlike Swish, which is quick and simple, this app is difficult to interpret outside the main menu. It also does not help that it lacks instructions for first-time users. Although, once you get the hang of it, assigning functions will be easier.
Wide array of impressive features
For average Mac users, the trackpads default functioning is sometimes frustrating. Some find it not particularly flexible, while others think it lacks essential features. Luckily, there are a chock-full of great Mac apps that can elevate your daily computing life. Among the growing list of utility apps is BetterTouchTool. As mentioned, this tool allows users to customize and configure their trackpad gestures completely. It even lets you create your own.
One of the things you will appreciate about the app is the range of input devices it lets you control. The app centers around input methods, assigning trigger sets to common items, such as a trackpad, Magic Mouse, or regular mouse, keyboard, and Touch Bar. Moreover, it also accepts input from paired Siri Remote, MIDI triggers, and key sequences. Even better, it also comes with a BTT remote, offering a way to receive remote input through a free Apple device app.
BetterTouchTool also allows users to create any shortcut by recording newly expanded shortcuts for any device. You can also dream up unusual key sequences, movement gestures, and even drawings to replace default options. Moreover, you can specify which app the shortcuts will apply to and which will be disabled. This tool also comes with an integrated clipboard manager to copy multiple items at once. It also comes with a screenshot tool allowing you to adjust images on the fly.
Not for the inexperienced
Available as freeware, BetterTouchTool is easy to download and install. However, after initial startup, it will attempt to access all of the computers on the test network. Users will also notice the lack of instructions, which is a pity since understanding all its functions is not that simple. Additionally, the features are a little difficult to interpret outside the main menus. And although the overall interface is good, it can be a little confusing.
Users should also note that some modifications require system preferences changes. Additionally, the shortcuts you set up occasionally stop working. If that's the case, restarting the app from the menu bar should do the trick. However, you will be happy to know that the app comes in a lightweight package and works fast. It is also low maintenance and does not need constant updates.
A good app to improve productivity
Overall, BetterTouchTool is a must-try if you wish to improve your Mac computer's organization. The app functions well and gives users control of their device's gestures. It is also lightweight and does not require too much maintenance. However, understanding how each function works may be challenging for inexperienced users. It also does not help that the app lacks instructions, and there isn't that much information about the app available.
User reviews about BetterTouchTool
by Anonymous
Almost perfect..
It can occasionally close itself and require relaunch, but overall is is reliable and has greatly enhanced my efficiency on the MAC. I wish it were included on every MAC. I use it that much! More
by Anonymous
Great, but stop with the almost daily updates..
I like it very much... but the nearly-daily updates are getting to be a bit much. How about once a week, or maybe even every month? I shouldn't have to update software all the time like this! OTHER than that, great tool, and I love it. Everyone with Snow Leopard should have this.
Pros:
Great flexibility, versatility, and ease-of-use.
Cons:
Too many updates! Bigger updates less frequently would be MUCH better! More
by Anonymous
Windows Magnet 100 times better.
I used all of them, but i prefer Windows Magnet 80cents at appstore, simple the best of them !!! its more elegant and fast than other tools for same function and less price More
by Anonymous
Lion, BTT and SMART notebook don't work together. .
Lion, BTT and SMART notebook don't work together. I had to remove BTT to make SMART functional again. Too bad, because I like BBT and got used to it. There was no problem with a Leopard, BTT and SMART combination. Hopefully a later update will make them compatible again. More
by Anonymous
It's a great utility, but....
... when I had BTT running last time, I began to have my window scrollbars move without touching. Mostly, the window jumps up or down only a little, but it's tough when I'm writing in Word.But it's a great utility, and thanks for doing it! More
by Anonymous
Makes life so much easier.....
Very good tool for adding a couple of missing features to touchpad/magic mouse, for example:
I don't know if you have used Win 7 at all, but to my mind one of the best features is the 'windows snapping' to resize windows (if not - it means by dragging a program window to various places it changes size: to the top of the screen and it maximizes, plus to each edge for half screen left/right).
Another missing feature, one of the best features of an iphone / ipod touch / android phone, is 'pinch to zoom': by moving two fingers closer together / further apart changes the size of text etc on a web page etc.
I have only installed it this week, and so far no issues with bugs.
Pros:
Adds sorely missed functionality to trackpad / magic mouse
Both straight forward, but also with advanced tweaks and settings available
Cons:
Possibly buggy? (I installed version 0.622 so still not completely polished!) More