To rotate a model in SOLIDWORKS with a trackpad, activate Rotate View from the View toolbar or choose View > Modify > Rotate, then use the trackpad’s ordinary left-click-and-drag action in the graphics area. If that is awkward or unsupported on your device, use the keyboard arrow keys; hold Shift with an arrow key for a 90-degree rotation increment.
Rotate the view with ordinary trackpad dragging
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Open a part or assembly and move the pointer into the model graphics area.
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Activate Rotate View on the View toolbar, or select View > Modify > Rotate.
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Use the trackpad’s regular left-click-and-drag action in the graphics area to rotate the view. SOLIDWORKS Design Help 2026 documents left-button dragging as a rotation method; a trackpad’s left-click-and-drag is the practical equivalent when the device supports it.
#1 Best Overall
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Apple Magic Trackpad - White Multi-Touch Surface | Multi-Touch surface with Force Touch and USB-C for Mac, iPad and Apple Vision Pro- Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
- Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
- It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
- Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
Rotate without dragging
Press an arrow key to rotate the model view. For a 90-degree increment, hold Shift while pressing an arrow key. These keyboard controls are documented in SOLIDWORKS Design Help 2026.
If you need middle-button rotation
SOLIDWORKS also documents middle-button dragging to rotate the view. To rotate around a particular vertex, edge, or face, middle-click that geometry and then drag. A trackpad may not have a physical middle button, and whether it can send a middle-click depends on the trackpad and its operating-system driver.
Rank #2
- Windows 10/11 Only: The T1 Plus wireless trackpad is designed exclusively for Windows 11 and Windows 10 (PC, laptop, desktop), Not compatible with Mac, Chrome OS, or Linux. Using it on unsupported systems may cause: Missing or malfunctioning gestures and Repeated Bluetooth disconnections and reconnections
- Bluetooth Connection Only – No USB Receiver or wired mode: Connects to up to 3 devices simultaneously via three Bluetooth channels, and Press the mode switch button to jump between laptop, PC, or tablet, The Type-c charging cable is only for charging and cannot be connected to a computer to achieve wired touch function
- Type‑C Fast Charging: Built‑in 500mAh rechargeable battery, Up to 50 hours of use on a full charge, Use the included Type‑C cable for quick charging and the charging cable is for charging only – does not support wired touchpad mode
- Adjust Cursor Speed: This trackpad does not have a built‑in DPI adjustment. To change cursor speed: Go to Windows Settings → Bluetooth & other devices → Touchpad→ Modify "Cursor speed" in the system settings, Tip: Test small incremental changes to find your ideal speed for productivity
- Extra Large Metal Touchpad: 6.4-inch large touchscreen, measuring 6.4*4.8*0.4 inches, combined with an ultra-smooth surface, provides a more comfortable and efficient user experience for performing a variety of operations
If your device and driver provide a middle-click gesture, you can configure or use it for this method. Otherwise, the toolbar-and-left-drag or keyboard methods do not require middle-click setup. A basic three-button mouse is another optional way to get a physical middle button; it is not required for view rotation.
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| Method | Setup | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Rotate View command, then trackpad left-click-and-drag | Activate the command; no middle-button mapping is needed. | Direct rotation when ordinary trackpad dragging works reliably. |
| Arrow keys; Shift plus an arrow key for 90-degree increments | No trackpad gesture is needed. | Rotation when dragging is awkward or unavailable, including fixed increments. |
| Middle-button drag | Requires a middle button or a device-and-driver-specific middle-click input. | Users who prefer the documented middle-button method, including rotation around selected geometry. |
Why a two-finger gesture may not rotate the model
Do not assume that two-finger trackpad dragging rotates a SOLIDWORKS model. The 2026 touch guidance describes a finger drag to rotate and a two-finger drag to pan on touch-enabled computers, but it treats touch input separately and directs users to device documentation for gestures. It does not establish a universal gesture for laptop trackpads.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Familiar Mac Gesture Control: Navigate naturally with our mac trackpad using intuitive multi gesture controls to scroll, swipe, zoom, switch between apps, and open Mission Control.
- Large Glass Surface: The spacious edge to edge glass of our wireless touchpad mouse gives you more room for smooth, comfortable navigation through webpages, documents, and apps.
- Wireless or Wired Connection: Use the included USB C 2.4 GHz receiver for wireless freedom or connect directly our wireless touchpad for mac with the braided USB C cable for wired use.
- Ready to Use in Seconds: Plug the receiver or usb c cable into your Mac, turn on the imac trackpad and start navigating without Bluetooth pairing or complicated setup.
- Recharge Less, Work Longer: The rechargeable 1000 mAh battery in our mac touchpad provides up to 20 days of use, while the sleek minimalistic design complements your Mac setup.
Rank #4
- MULTI-TOUCH GESTURES: Wireless trackpad offers multi-touch control with up to four finger gestures and built-in left and right mouse buttons
- DUAL DEVICE CONTROL: Connects two devices at a time via Bluetooth; press the mode switch button to jump between the two devices
- SLIM DESIGN: Slim portable design with colored indicator lights for enhanced functionality
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: USB-C port for recharging the lithium battery
- DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Windows OS; not compatible with macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux
Rank #3
- Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
- Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
- It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
- Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
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