I have been using Apple laptops since 2009, and over the years, I have picked up a few tricks that make macOS feel even more fluid and intuitive. But there is one feature that has completely transformed how I interact with my Mac: Three Finger Drag.

For some reason, Apple keeps this gem tucked away in the accessibility settings rather than enabling it by default. If you have never used it, you are missing out on a dramatically smoother experience, especially if you rely on the built-in trackpad or Apple’s Magic Trackpad.

Three Finger Drag allows you to move windows, files, and text simply by placing three fingers on the trackpad and gliding them across the surface. Unlike the standard click and drag method, there is no need to press down on the trackpad. You just slide your fingers and the item follows.

‍

It eliminates the need for a forceful click and removes unnecessary hand strain, making interactions feel effortless. Here is how it improves my workflow:

• Smoother Window Management – Dragging windows around the screen becomes instant and fluid without hesitation.

• Effortless File Handling – Moving files in Finder is far easier. Just glide them to the right folder with no extra clicking required.

• Quick Text Selection – Highlighting text is seamless, especially when making small adjustments while dragging.

• Better for Large Displays – If you use a MacBook with an external monitor or Apple’s Magic Trackpad, Three Finger Drag makes navigating large screens much easier.

‍

This setting is buried in System Settings → Accessibility → Pointer Control → Trackpad Options, making it unlikely that most users will ever find it. For a company that prides itself on intuitive design, Three Finger Drag is one of macOS’s best-kept secrets.

‍