Filed under: Utilities, Macintosh, Productivity
Mac software we can't live without: Introducing xGestures
by Simon Kerbel Jan 4th 2008 at 8:00AM
Okay, maybe saying xGestures is "software we can't live without" is a bit of an overreaction; read on, and we'll let you make the call. xGestures is a mouse gestures program for the Mac. In case you didn't know, mouse gestures give you the ability to command a program by moving your mouse in tandem with your oft-neglected right-click button (there are other gestures as well, but the right-click button is usually the main trigger). Mouse gestures are as old as the Internet; typically, however, gestures are limited to a specific program (e.g. Opera), and lack the same control outside that program.
With xGestures, you have the ability to assign universal mouse gestures across your entire computer. For example, with xGestures installed, you can hold your right-click button and move your mouse up to create a new Finder window. If you have Firefox open, however, that same gesture will open a new tab. Want to move to the next song in iTunes, but don't want to bring it front and center and click the next button? Simply assign a gesture to move to the next song. (On our machines, you hold down the right-click button, move quickly to the right, and just like that, iTunes changes to the next track).
xGestures is easily customizable, with enough options to make your head spin. Available for a mere pittance ($5) and a guarantee from Download Squad that you'll be wondering how you got along without it. The current version (1.73) has been updated to work with Leopard.
So, is this "software we can't live without?" Maybe that's too black and white. How about "software we would be severely lacking without?" Or possibly, "software that would make for a poorer user experience without?"
Better?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
aleafinwater said 12:30PM on 1-04-2008
oh come on, you can't be serious!
quicksilver basically does the same thing, and it's free.
just use a little built in beta-plugin called abracadabra.
(and it's super pretty too)
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kingkool68 said 1:34PM on 1-04-2008
I would call this $5 for a poorer user experience. What's the deal with mouse gestures? They seem too clumbsy. Give me a keyboard shortcut anyday. i need tactile feedback plus it's quite hard to accidentally activate a keyboard combo than it is while dragging your mouse around.
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Ringo said 7:48AM on 1-05-2008
xGestures works great, it let´s you assign different shortcutes/gestures to each program you use. I´ve used it extensively with Manga Studio and ArtRage. It means I dont need a keyboard when drawing with my wacom tablet. On windows I use StrokeIt for the same functionality.
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Simon Kerbel said 12:49PM on 1-08-2008
Hello guys!
To aleafinwater:
We took a look at the Quicksilver plugin Abacadabra, and it looks intriguing. We appreciate xGestures because of its easy to use Preference Pane with almost unlimited customization.
To kingcool68:
We appreciate your concern over accidentally triggering gestures when xGestures is installed, but we've never had that happen once. Since xGestures works exclusively with your right mouse button + a specific action, we can't foresee any action that you would perform that accidentally trigger a gesture. Again, some are clickers, some are clackers.
To Ringo:
Right on, bud! Glad you enjoy it as much as we do!
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