Control Mac volume with your trackpad

How trackpad edge volume control works

Slidr is a macOS menu bar app. The right trackpad edge controls volume by default: slide up to increase it and down to decrease it. Haptic feedback accompanies your adjustments. The left edge controls brightness, so each adjustment has its own side.

You can use your MacBook's built-in trackpad or a Magic Trackpad. For the external trackpad setup, see the Magic Trackpad compatibility guide.

Set up trackpad volume control

1. Download and install Slidr

   Download Slidr, open the DMG file and drag Slidr to Applications.

2. Open Slidr

   Launch Slidr from Applications. It runs in your Mac's menu bar.

3. Allow Accessibility access

   Open your Mac's Accessibility privacy settings and allow Slidr to read trackpad gestures.

4. Slide along the right edge

   Slide up along the right edge of your trackpad to increase volume, or down to decrease it.

Tips for everyday volume adjustments

• Slidr automatically ignores gestures while you type. Pause typing before adjusting the volume.
• Use the bottom-quarter option if you want to limit where gestures can start on the trackpad.
• Use the modifier-key option if you want a key to be held or toggled before gestures activate.

Trackpad volume not responding?

First check that Slidr is running. Open it from Applications, then check that Slidr is enabled in your Mac's Accessibility privacy settings. This permission is required to read trackpad gestures.

Try the gesture again after allowing access. If you have enabled the bottom-quarter or modifier-key options, use that area or activate the chosen key before sliding. Stop typing while you test, as Slidr ignores gestures during typing.