- Best for Windows: X Mouse
- Best for Macs: Mac Mouse Fix
- Best for Linux: Input Remapper
- Scroll wheel customization is perfect for: WizMouse
- Best for macro recording: Macro recorder
Computer mice have been used for decades and are easily understood. Nevertheless, it’s possible to make your mouse a bit more appealing by customizing its behavior. There are a number of utilities that allow you to reassign the behavior of a mouse button or scroll wheel. There are even utilities that can record macros of your mouse movements. This article lists five such utilities.
1. The X-Mouse
XMouse is the most popular mouse mapping software for Windows devices. It allows users to assign specific functions and macros to different buttons on their mouse. For example, if you hover over a YouTube video, the scroll wheel on your mouse will automatically adjust the volume instead of scrolling up or down. You can create different profiles for different applications and simulate complex keyboard inputs with a single click. The X-Mouse is ideal for gamers and power users who want to increase their productivity.
Features
Customizable button assignments, per application profile switching
Price
free
See: How to Connect Apple Wireless Keyboard to Windows 10 and Windows 11
2. Fix MacMouse.
Mac Mouse Fix is perfect for anyone frustrated with the default macOS mouse settings. It brings all the features of the Apple trackpad, such as Quick Look and Zoom, to a third-party mouse. MacMouse Fix also addresses common issues like pointer acceleration and scroll smoothing and allows customization of mouse actions that are activated by clicking, dragging, and scrolling. Finally, it is 100% open source to provide peace of mind.
Features
Scroll smooth, customizable actions
Price
$2.99, after a 30-day free trial
3. Input remapper
If you’re a Linux user, the best tool to customize your mouse is Input Remapper. Creator Seasonzeb has made it available for free on GitHub. It has a simple graphical user interface that makes it easy to assign mouse actions to different buttons and set up timed macros. On top of computer mice, the program can be used to map keyboards, d-pads and joysticks.
Features
User friendly interface, timed macros, supports gamepads.
Price
free
4. WizMouse
WizMouse is a free utility that can be used to customize mouse behavior. The utility enables the mouse wheel for applications that do not natively support its use. There is also a convenient “reverse” function for use when mouse scrolling is backward. WizMouse can be enabled or disabled from the system tray.
Features
Scrolling in inactive windows, scrolling in applications that do not support the mouse wheel.
Price
free
5. Macro recorder
Macro Recorder can be used to automate repetitive tasks using your mouse. The tool records mouse movements and clicks as well as keyboard input and the resulting macros can be replayed to save the user time and effort. The program also includes options to fine-tune recorded actions to meet specific needs, such as by
Features
Records macros to automate mouse-driven tasks.
Price
Starts at $111 for the standard version.
What is mouse button remapping, and why is it useful?
Mouse button remapping assigns the default functions of mouse buttons to different actions. This can be done using software that allows users to customize the behavior of each button, such as executing a keyboard shortcut or launching an application. This is useful because, depending on how you use your device, it can increase productivity and reduce repetitive stress. For example, gamers can assign complex combos to a single mouse button, while professionals can streamline workflow by assigning custom shortcuts.
How can I remap my mouse buttons on Windows?
You can do a limited amount of remapping on Windows 11 without downloading third-party software. To do this, go to Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Mouse. Under the “Primary Mouse Buttons” menu, you can change the primary and secondary, or left and right, mouse buttons.
Settings related to scrolling can be found under “Scrolling” and you can select your pointer to display trails on the screen by selecting the “Display Pointer Trails” checkbox under “Pointer Options”. If you want to control the mouse with your numeric keyboard, go to Accessibility in Settings, select “Mouse” under “Interaction” and then turn on the “Mouse Keys” switch.
Brian Posey contributed to this article.