Touchpad Properties in HP Laptops and Notebooks - Windows 8

A TouchPad or ClickPad is a pointing device with a touch-sensitive surface located on the palm rest of the notebook. On some notebooks, the right side of the TouchPad has a vertical line that indicates a scroll function. Additionally, two or more buttons that function as left and right buttons on a conventional mouse pointing device usually accompany the TouchPad. On ClickPads, clicking the lower left or lower right corners functions as left or right buttons on a conventional mouse pointing device.

The TouchPad can be configured to interpret various gestures on its surface as different actions. For example, if the TouchPad has been configured to do so, a two-finger leftward swipe while browsing a website takes you to a previously viewed page; or, double-tapping the TouchPad while the cursor hovers over a text file opens the file in your default text editor.

You can adjust the sensitivity of the TouchPad, enable or disable the features and gestures, and change the functionality of the buttons.

Common TouchPad gestures

swipe your finger across the TouchPad to move the cursor on the screen.

Tap the TouchPad once to single-click and twice to double-click the cursor.

To rotate an image or portion of the screen, place two fingers on the TouchPad and then rotate them.

TouchPad rotation only works in those applications that already have a rotate function, such as a photo browser.

To drag-and-drop an item, tap the TouchPad twice to select the item, swipe your finger to move it, and then lift your finger to release it.

To scroll a window, a screen, or a list, place two fingers on the TouchPad, then swipe them from side to side or up and down. Lift your fingers to stop scrolling.

To zoom-in or -out while working in a window, place two fingers on the TouchPad and move them outward to zoom-in and inward to zoom-out.
TouchPad zooming only works in those applications that already have zoom functions, such as a photo browser or word processor.

Opening the TouchPad or ClickPad properties page in Windows 8 :

TouchPad and ClickPad configuration options are located on the TouchPad properties page. Use the following steps to open the properties page and enable or disable individual gestures.

1. From the Start screen, type personalize to open the Search charm, and select Personalize your computer from the search results.

2. In the Personalization window, click the Change mouse pointers link to open Mouse Properties.

The Mouse Properties screen opens.

3. Click the Device Settings or the ClickPad Settings tab of Mouse Properties. If you have a Synaptics device, the tab includes the Synaptics icon .

4. Click Settings to open the Properties window.

You can adjust the TouchPad settings for scrolling, clicking, sensitivity, edge behaviors, and gesture actions to suit your personal preferences.

ClickPad Properties page

5. The Properties window is divided into three areas to help you with TouchPad or ClickPad configuration.

• The left side of the window lists gestures and actions. Click to highlight individual gestures or actions. When highlighted, select the Help icon  to find out more information or select the Settings icon  to change the settings.
• The lower right side shows the finger movement associated with the gesture or action.
• The upper right side shows the on-screen response to the finger movements.

6. Turn on or off individual gestures by clicking on the checkbox next to each item. A checkmark in the checkbox indicates that gesture is enabled.