Navigating the Steam Deck’s vast library and intricate settings can be a breeze, but encountering the familiar right-click function may leave you momentarily stumped. Unlike traditional mice, the Steam Deck’s trackpads lack the dedicated right-click button commonly found on external peripherals. However, the Deck’s innovative design presents a clever workaround, ensuring that you can seamlessly access the myriad of options and commands hidden behind the right-click menu.
To execute a right-click on the Steam Deck, simply press and hold both the “A” and “B” buttons simultaneously while using the left trackpad. This ingenious gesture mimics the right-click functionality, allowing you to effortlessly bring up the context menu and interact with items in the Steam Deck’s user interface. Whether you’re customizing game settings, managing your library, or simply exploring the Deck’s myriad features, the right-click function empowers you with the precision and control you need to navigate the Steam Deck’s vast digital landscape.
Transitioning between the left and right trackpads is as effortless as it is intuitive. When the right-click gesture is activated, the left trackpad assumes the primary navigation role, while the right trackpad serves as the equivalent of the scroll wheel. This seamless integration ensures that you can navigate the context menu with the same efficiency and precision you’ve come to expect from traditional mice, without ever having to break your grip on the Steam Deck’s comfortable ergonomic form factor.
Accessing the Context Menu
To access the context menu on the Steam Deck, right-click on a selected item. You can also use the following methods:
Using the Touchpad:
- Tap and hold on the item for a few seconds.
- A context menu will appear next to the selected item.
Using the Back Buttons:
- Press and hold the left or right back button.
- Move the cursor over the item you want to interact with.
- Release the back button to open the context menu.
Using the Keyboard:
- Connect a keyboard to the Steam Deck.
- Press the “Shift” key and right-click on the item.
Using the Mouse:
- Connect a mouse to the Steam Deck.
- Move the mouse cursor over the item you want to interact with.
- Right-click on the item to open the context menu.
The context menu provides various options depending on the selected item. These options typically include commands such as “Open,” “Copy,” “Paste,” “Delete,” and “Properties.”
Customizing the Context Menu
Steam Deck users can personalize the context menu that appears when they right-click. By default, the context menu offers a basic set of options, but users can add or remove commands to suit their preferences.
Adding Commands
To add a command to the context menu, follow these steps:
- Enter desktop mode by pressing the Steam button and selecting “Desktop Mode.”
- Open the “Konsole” terminal emulator.
- Enter the following command:
mkdir ~/.steam/root/contexts/apps - Create a new file inside the “apps” directory with a “.desktop” extension. For example, you could create a file named “open-with-custom.desktop”.
- Paste the following contents into the file:
- Replace “/usr/bin/rofi -l 0 -p “Open With:” -dmenu” with the command you want to execute when the menu item is clicked.
- Save and close the file.
- Exit desktop mode and restart Steam.
[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Open With Custom Menu
Exec=/usr/bin/rofi -l 0 -p "Open With:" -dmenu
Icon=/usr/share/icons/hicolor/256x256/apps/steam.png
Removing Commands
To remove a command from the context menu, follow these steps:
- Enter desktop mode.
- Open the “Konsole” terminal emulator.
- Enter the following command:
cd ~/.steam/root/contexts/apps - Delete the “.desktop” file associated with the command you want to remove.
- Exit desktop mode and restart Steam.
Customizing Existing Commands
You can also customize the text and icons associated with existing commands in the context menu. To do this, edit the corresponding “.desktop” files in the “~/.steam/root/contexts/apps” directory and make the desired changes.
Using a Mouse or Trackpad
If you are fortunate enough to have either device plugged into your Steam Deck, then a simple right-click can be accessed using the corresponding physical button found on standard computer mice and trackpads. This is usually located on the right-hand side of the device, and requires only a brief press to execute a right-click.
Using the Steam Deck’s Touchpad
If you still have the Steam Deck’s default layout, then you can use two fingers to form a pinch gesture on the right touchpad to perform a right-click action. This is distinctly different from the one finger right-click gesture required to emulate a right-click on the left touchpad, assigned by default to the back button.
Using the Steam Deck’s Back Buttons
Out of the box, one of the back buttons will function as a right-click out of the box. While it is possible to remap which ever button you desire using the Steam Deck’s system settings, this is the most seamless option without having to adjust your muscle memory to another binding.
Using the Right Joystick
By default, clicking the right joystick on your Steam Deck will emulate the right-click functionality of a standard mouse. You can confirm which function is assigned by opening the Steam Deck’s settings and going to the ‘Controls’ tab. From there, you can modify a wide range of inputs however you see fit.
Using Right-Click Modifier
In the ‘Controls’ tab of your Steam Deck’s settings, there is an option to add a modifier to any input that changes its function to a right-click. This is useful if you have an input that you would like to double up as both an alternative control and a right-click. To do this, navigate to the ‘Controls’ tab and select ‘Button Layouts’. Then, select the input you would like to modify and assign the ‘Right-Click Modifier’ action to the secondary input function.
| Input | Right-Click Modifier | Right-Click Function |
|---|---|---|
| Right Joystick Click | No | Yes |
| Back Button | Yes | No |
| Right Touchpad Pinch | No | Yes |
| Right Mouse Button | No | Yes |
Context Menu for Game Mode
The context menu in Game Mode provides quick access to various options for the currently selected game. To open the context menu, simply right-click on the game’s tile in the library view or while the game is running.
The context menu offers a range of options, including:
- Play Game
- Uninstall Game
- View Game Details
- Manage Game
- Add to Favorites
- Hide Game
- Create Shortcut
Advanced Options
The ‘Manage Game’ option in the context menu grants access to a comprehensive set of advanced options for the game. These options include:
|
Option |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Controller Settings |
Customize controller mappings and sensitivities. |
|
Graphics Settings |
Adjust resolution, frame rate, and other visual settings. |
|
Shader Cache |
Enable or disable the shader cache to optimize performance. |
|
Proton Experimental |
Enable or disable experimental Proton versions for improved compatibility. |
By utilizing the context menu, you can quickly and easily access a wide range of settings and options for your games on the Steam Deck, ensuring an optimized and seamless gaming experience.
Context Menu for Desktop Mode
In Desktop Mode, you can access a context menu by right-clicking on the desktop, a file, or a folder. The context menu provides you with a variety of options for interacting with the selected item.
Creating a New File or Folder
To create a new file or folder, right-click on the desktop or in a folder and select “New.” You can then choose the type of file or folder you want to create.
Opening a File or Folder
To open a file or folder, simply double-click on it. You can also right-click on a file or folder and select “Open.” If you right-click on a folder, you can also select “Open in New Tab” to open the folder in a new tab in the file manager.
Copying, Cutting, and Pasting Files and Folders
To copy or cut files or folders, select them and then right-click and select “Copy” or “Cut.” To paste the copied or cut files or folders, right-click in the destination folder and select “Paste.”
Deleting Files and Folders
To delete files or folders, select them and then right-click and select “Delete.” You can also delete files or folders by dragging them to the trash icon on the desktop.
Renaming Files and Folders
To rename a file or folder, right-click on it and select “Rename.” You can then type in the new name for the file or folder.
Getting Information About a File or Folder
To get information about a file or folder, right-click on it and select “Properties.” The Properties window will provide you with information about the file or folder, such as its size, type, and creation date.
Setting File and Folder Permissions
To set file and folder permissions, right-click on the file or folder and select “Properties.” In the Properties window, click on the “Permissions” tab. You can then set the permissions for the file or folder.
Using the Command Prompt
You can also use the Command Prompt to perform a variety of tasks in Desktop Mode. To open the Command Prompt, right-click on the desktop and select “Open Terminal.”
Keyboard Shortcuts for Right-Click
Steam Deck provides several keyboard shortcuts to perform right-click actions without using the trackpads.
1. Shift + X
Pressing Shift + X will activate the right-click function.
2. Using the Steam Button Menu
Press the Steam button on the bottom left of the Deck to open the Steam Button Menu. Select “Right Click Mode” to enable right-click functionality using the trackpads or joysticks.
3. Virtual Keyboard
Enable the virtual keyboard by pressing the “…” button in the Steam Button Menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the right-click icon and press Enter.
4. Joystick Click
Pressing down on the left or right joystick will perform a right-click action in some games and applications.
5. Touchscreen
If the game or application supports touch input, you can right-click by touching the screen with two fingers.
6. Mouse and Keyboard
Connecting a mouse and keyboard to the Steam Deck will allow you to use the mouse’s right button for right-click actions.
7. Touchpad Gestures
In Desktop Mode, you can perform a two-finger tap on the touchpad to right-click.
8. Back Button
In the Steam Link app on iOS and Android devices, the back button can be used to perform a right-click action.
9. Advanced Custom Bindings
You can also create custom bindings in the Steam Deck’s controller settings to assign the right-click function to specific buttons or gestures.
| Button/Gesture | Function |
|---|---|
| Left Bumper + Left Trigger | Right-Click |
| Back Button + X | Right-Click |
| Double-Tap Right Touchpad | Right-Click |
Advanced Right-Click Options
The Steam Deck’s right-click menu offers a wide range of advanced options to enhance your gaming experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to these options:
Keyboard and Mouse Controls
Enable the “Use Keyboard and Mouse” option to control games using external peripherals. This is particularly useful for precision aiming and navigation in games that require it.
Controller Configuration
Access the “Controller Configuration” menu to customize the layout and bindings of your Steam Deck controller. You can create custom profiles for different games and adjust sensitivity, dead zones, and other parameters.
Game Properties
Click on “Properties” to view and modify game-specific settings. You can enable or disable features such as HDR, VSync, and frame rate limits, as well as set launch options and manage DLC.
Library Management
Use the “Library” option to manage your Steam library, install and uninstall games, and organize them into categories. You can also access the “Recently Played” list and view your Steam Cloud saves.
Quick Access
Create custom shortcuts to frequently used actions by adding them to the “Quick Access” menu. This allows you to launch games, open menus, or execute commands with a single click.
Performance Monitoring
Enable the “Performance Monitoring” overlay to track your system’s performance while gaming. You can view CPU and GPU usage, frame rates, and other metrics to optimize your settings for the best possible experience.
Remote Play
Access the “Remote Play” menu to connect to your other computers and stream games remotely. This allows you to play your PC games on the go, using your Steam Deck as a controller.
Screenshot and Video Capture
Use the “Screenshots” and “Videos” options to capture and manage in-game screenshots and video clips. You can save them to your Steam Deck or upload them to the Steam Cloud.
System Settings
Adjust system-wide settings such as language, storage, network, and power management by clicking on “System Settings.” This menu provides access to a comprehensive range of options to customize your Steam Deck’s functionality.
Steam Cloud Save
Manage Steam Cloud save settings and manually upload or download game saves from the “Steam Cloud Save” menu. This ensures that your progress is synced across all of your devices.
How To Right Click On Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming PC that allows you to play your favorite PC games on the go. However, one thing that can be a bit confusing for new users is how to right-click. On a traditional mouse, you would right-click by pressing the right mouse button. However, the Steam Deck does not have a traditional mouse, so you need to use a different method.
To right-click on the Steam Deck, you need to use the rear buttons. By default, the right rear button is mapped to the right-click function. To right-click, simply press and hold the right rear button.
You can also change the mapping of the rear buttons in the Steam Deck’s settings. To do this, go to the “Settings” menu, then select “Controls”. From here, you can select the “Rear Buttons” tab and change the mapping of the buttons to whatever you want.
People Also Ask
How do I change the mapping of the rear buttons on the Steam Deck?
To change the mapping of the rear buttons on the Steam Deck, go to the “Settings” menu, then select “Controls”. From here, you can select the “Rear Buttons” tab and change the mapping of the buttons to whatever you want.
Can I use the rear buttons to perform other functions?
Yes, you can use the rear buttons to perform other functions besides right-clicking. To do this, you need to create a custom button layout in the Steam Deck’s settings. To create a custom button layout, go to the “Settings” menu, then select “Controls”. From here, you can select the “Custom Layouts” tab and create a new button layout.
