Scrolling has sparked considerable discussion among MacBook users. Some individuals favor the concept of natural scrolling on their trackpad. This method allows users to scroll down the screen by swiping two fingers upward, while swiping down will scroll the page up. Although it may seem unconventional at first, it mimics the way one would interact with a physical document.

By default, MacBooks have natural scrolling activated, meaning that the movement of your fingers on the trackpad will translate into opposite scrolling on the screen. While many users appreciate this approach, those transitioning from Windows may find it preferable to disable this option.

Then there are others who enjoy natural scrolling on the trackpad but prefer traditional, non-inverted scrolling when using a mouse, or vice versa. Since macOS allows only one scrolling preference to be selected for all devices by default, the solution lies in a free application called Scroll Reverser. This handy tool enables distinct scrolling directions for both the trackpad and a physical mouse.

Upon installation, Scroll Reverser will request Accessibility permissions to monitor the input device in use and apply the appropriate settings. It’s essential to grant these permissions. After doing so, an icon for Scroll Reverser will appear in the menu bar. Click on this icon and navigate to Preferences. Here, you should select Enable Scroll Reverser and customize your settings according to your preferences. Many users find it beneficial to enable both Reverse Vertical and Reverse Mouse. Don’t forget to access your Mac’s System Settings, go to the Trackpad section, and adjust the Natural Scrolling setting based on your default preference; for many, keeping it enabled is ideal.

By setting these configurations, Scroll Reverser will maintain natural scrolling on the trackpad while allowing non-inverted scrolling when using a mouse.

This app also boasts an added feature that is particularly handy for mouse users. It allows you to customize the “step” size for scrolling increments. It’s common for a single scroll wheel movement to shift the page too far, so adjusting this setting can enhance control. To modify the step size, return to the Preferences section of Scroll Reverser and adjust the slider under Step size. Fine-tune this setting until it aligns with your scrolling preferences.

With these adjustments in place, consider exploring the possibility of adding a convenient middle-click feature to your Mac’s trackpad and mouse.