LinearMouse: Fix Mouse Scrolling and Acceleration on Mac for Free
On a Mac, 'natural' scrolling applies to your trackpad and your mouse together. Many people want it natural on the trackpad but reversed on the mouse, and macOS won't let you.
LinearMouse fixes that, and more. Set scrolling separately for each device, turn off mouse acceleration and make the side buttons go back and forward.
What is LinearMouse?
LinearMouse is a free, open-source utility for macOS that adds the mouse settings Apple left out. You can reverse scrolling for a mouse without affecting your trackpad, change scroll speed, turn off pointer acceleration for precise movement, and map side buttons to back and forward. Settings can be different for each connected device.
Key features
Separate scroll directions
Natural on the trackpad, traditional on the mouse. Finally.
No more acceleration
Turn off pointer acceleration for consistent, precise movement.
Side buttons that work
Make your mouse's back and forward buttons work in any app.
How to get started with LinearMouse
1. Install LinearMouse with Homebrew or download it from linearmouse.org.
2. Open it and allow Accessibility access when asked.
3. Pick your mouse from the device list at the top.
4. Turn on Reverse scrolling for the mouse, and adjust speed and acceleration.
2. Open it and allow Accessibility access when asked.
3. Pick your mouse from the device list at the top.
4. Turn on Reverse scrolling for the mouse, and adjust speed and acceleration.
Prefer the command line? If you use Homebrew, the free package manager for Mac, open Terminal and run:
brew install --cask linearmouse
Tips to get more out of it
• Settings are per device, so your trackpad keeps Apple's natural scrolling.
• Try Linear scrolling for a smoother, more Windows-like wheel feel.
• Turn on 'Start at login' so your settings are always applied.
• Using a Logitech mouse? LinearMouse works without Logi Options+.
• Try Linear scrolling for a smoother, more Windows-like wheel feel.
• Turn on 'Start at login' so your settings are always applied.
• Using a Logitech mouse? LinearMouse works without Logi Options+.
Is it really free?
Free and open source. No ads, no account and no paid version.
Pros and cons
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and open source | Needs Accessibility access |
| Per-device settings | Some settings need tweaking |
| Fixes scroll direction | Mice only, not keyboards |
Who is it for?
Best for: Anyone using a mouse with a Mac. Works on: macOS. Sign-up: Not required.
LinearMouse alternatives
• Mos: a free app for smooth mouse scrolling and separate directions.
• SteerMouse: a powerful paid mouse utility.
• Logi Options+: Logitech's free app for its own mice.
• SteerMouse: a powerful paid mouse utility.
• Logi Options+: Logitech's free app for its own mice.
FAQ
Will it change my trackpad?
Only if you want it to. Settings apply to each device separately.
Is LinearMouse safe?
Yes. It's open source, runs locally, and only needs Accessibility access to adjust your mouse.
Step-by-step tutorials
The verdict
LinearMouse fixes the most annoying thing about using a mouse on a Mac in about thirty seconds. If you use a mouse, install it.
👉 Try it: linearmouse.org
Part of the free mac apps that replace paid software series on johnthecomputerman.co.uk. Follow @johnthecomputerman on Instagram for a new free Mac tool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pricing and features were checked in September 2026 and can change, so check the tool's own site for the latest.
