Have you ever swiped up on your Mac’s trackpad or rolled the mouse wheel, expecting to scroll down a page, only to have the content move in the opposite direction? You’re not alone.
Well, scrolling on Mac functions the opposite due to Apple’s feature of OS X Lion, aka “natural scrolling.”
Changing this default setting is simpler than you might think and could significantly enhance your user experience on a Mac.
So, to help you out, this guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to reverse the scrolling on Mac. So, even if you are using the magic mouse or magic trackpad, this guide has the answer.
Read on to learn how to invert scrolling on Mac.
How to Invert Scrolling on Mac: 2 Ways to Change Scrolling Settings
Invert scrolling on your Mac to make it feel more natural, especially if you are used to touch screens. Smartphones and tablets all scroll this way. Your finger moves up; the page goes down, like pushing paper on a desk.
This can be confusing when you switch back to your Mac. Changing the scroll direction makes all your devices work the same.
Some users get headaches or motion sickness from standard scrolling directions. Inverting the scroll helps with that, too. Plus, Apple’s trackpads and touch technology are top-notch and designed to feel intuitive, just like their iPhones and iPads.
So, here are some ways that you can use to invert scrolling on Mac:
1. Invert Scrolling on a Mac using Trackpad
Here is a complete step-by-step guide on scrolling inversely on Mac using Trackpad.
Step 1: Tap on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Choose “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Then go to “Trackpad” and click it to open trackpad settings.
Step 4: Navigate the “Scroll & Zoom” tab within Trackpad preferences.
Step 5: Uncheck the box next to “Scroll direction: Natural” to invert the scrolling.
Step 6: Now tap on the “X” button, and your scrolling settings will be saved.
That’s it. You will have your inverse scrolling using the trackpad.
2. Invert Scrolling on a Mac using a Mouse
Changing your mouse wheel scrolling direction on a Mac is simple. You can adjust it with just a few clicks.
Step 1: Start by clicking the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
Step 2: Select “System Preferences” from the menu.
Step 3: Look for the “Mouse” to open settings related to your pointing devices.
Step 4: Inside the mouse menu, find a checkbox labeled “Scroll direction: natural.”
Step 5: Uncheck this box if you want to invert the scrolling direction.
Step 6: Tap on the “X” button in red, and finally, your settings will be saved for inverse.
How to change scrolling speed on Mac
Now, you might be wondering if you can change the speed of your mouse or trackpad!
Well, yes, you can make it faster or slower according to your preferences.
Know that you do not need extra force to speed up. So you won’t have to apply extra force to increase your speed.
Let’s see how you can do it:
Step 1: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and choose “System Preferences” from the menu.
Step 2: Click on “Accessibility” from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Select “Pointer Control” from the list of accessibility options on the right.
Step 4: Click the “Trackpad Options” or “Mouse Options” button, depending on your device.
Step 5: Adjust the slider for “Scrolling speed” to change how quickly pages scroll.
You can close the System Preferences window when you are happy with your settings.
If you have a Magic Mouse, you can also change the scrolling speed by going to “System Preferences” > “Accessibility” > “Pointer Control” > “Mouse Options” and adjusting the scrolling speed from there. Additionally, you can also read about- Apple’s MacBook Lineup.
Limitations of Apple’s Reverse Scroll Method
Apple’s reverse scroll method ties the direction for both your Mac’s trackpad and any connected mouse.
This means you can’t set different scroll directions for each device. If you prefer natural scrolling on your trackpad but want traditional scrolling for an external mouse, you’re out of luck. You must choose one option that applies to all devices.
Some users find this frustrating because they switch between a mouse and a trackpad throughout the day. They need to adjust their scrolling habits constantly. Also, people who use their Mac with various peripherals like drawing tablets or ergonomic mice might struggle with this limitation.
It forces them to stick with one scrolling method despite diverse needs or preferences across different devices.
Final Verdict
Now you know how to flip your Mac’s scrolling. It can feel better for some people.
Remember, use System Settings for a quick change. If you need different settings for the mouse and trackpad, try Unnatural Scroll Wheels.
What is your experience with natural scrolling? Are you comfortable with this functionality?
Let us know in the comment section below.
Happy scrolling on your Mac!
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FAQs
How do you invert the mouse scroll on Mac?
Click the Apple icon, select “System Preferences,” then “Trackpad” or “Mouse,” and uncheck the “Scroll direction: Natural” box
Why is my scroll wheel inverted on Mac?
The scroll wheel may be inverted due to the “natural scrolling” setting. This setting can be changed in the “Trackpad” or “Mouse” preferences in “System Preferences.”
How do I change inverted scrolling on Mac?
To change inverted scrolling, go to “System Preferences,” select “Trackpad” or “Mouse,” and uncheck the “Scroll direction: Natural” box