One of the most time consuming tasks when working on a computer is constant mouse or trackpad clicking to activate things. This why a powerful utility called DwellClick ($9.99) might be use to Mac power users.
Working at the computer requires endless clicking of buttons, URL links, menu items, checklists, application icons, etc.. Some people don’t mind doing it, but that’s mainly because they don’t work at the computer all day. Part of the reason Mac automation tools are so useful is to reduce redundant clicking and typing to perform operations or complete tasks.
DwellClick, which includes a free trial download, is utility that actually clicks your cursor automatically when the cursor rests on a clickable item. In the following short demo, you can see how I use DwellClick to click a series of buttons.
I could use Keyboard Maestro to automate this task, but it would take too many steps to create a custom macro for the job. But I can easily enable and disable DwellClick when I need it for tasks like this.
It may not seem like a big deal to manually click buttons, but if you’re clicking items throughout the day, a utility like this comes in handy and save a little time.
Continuous Use
Naturally, you can leave DwellClick on as you work, but you might find that it clicks items you didn’t mean for it to click. You have to be very aware and skilled at using the program, so that you don’t end up clicking items and causing more problems for yourself.
You can set the amount of click delay before DwellClick goes into action, and you can also specify the preferences for which applications you don’t want DwellClick to perform clicks. There’s also preferences options for the amount of distance your cursor moves again before DwellClick activates.
In addition, there’s options for setting how DwellClick works using a trackpad.
Takes Practice
DwellClick has been around for a few years now, and many Mac users still may not know about it. This utility is not for everyone because it can be awkward to use, especially if you’re constantly moving your mouse to perform various tasks.
You can download a free trial of DwellClick and test it out. Even if you find it a little awkward at first, practice with it and give it some time. Most definitely practice with the app when you’re not performing important tasks.
The utility includes a hotkey to enable and disable it, and you can allow the floating panel to remain on your desktop for quick access. The panel also allows for controlling modification keys, and there’s a drag button feature, which when enabled allows you to place your cursor on any part of a window’s toolbar and then drag the window on the screen. DwellClick acts like a magnet reducing the need for you to click and hold on a window in order to move it. Again, this magnetic use of the cursor takes practice, but you’ll find it interesting to see how it works.
Conclusion
I don’t use DwellClick on a regular basis, but it’s a handy tool that I keep running on my Mac for when I need it. I’ve mapped the program’s hotkey to a Dragon Dictate voice command so that I can verbally enable and disable it.
Let me know what you think of this application, if it’s one that you might use in your workflow.
