To auto scroll in most applications you need to do a middle click. Depending on the touchpad type there may be different ways to do that but most have 3-finger tap as middle click by default (if any), otherwise it usually allows you to assign the 3-finger touch to middle click
Omnidirectional scrolling can be performed in various document viewers including web browsers and PDF readers by middle-clicking and moving the pointer in any direction. This can be done by holding and scrolling until released, or by short clicking and scrolling until clicking once more (any mouse button) or pressing the Esc key. Some applications such as "Xreader" simulate a drag-to-scroll gesture as used by touch screen devices such as smartphones and tablet computers.
Below are the examples for Precision, Synaptics, Elan and Dell touchpads. After setting up just tap 3 fingers then move the mouse cursor down a little bit and the page will start moving
Precision touchpad
Most modern PCs use precision touchpad so just go into Touchpad settings and change Three-finger gestures > Taps to Middle mouse button
Synaptics
If your laptop uses Synaptics driver then there's "Three-Finger Press", "Three-Finger Tap" and "Three-Finger Click" in the settings
For old Synaptics devices you need to change some tap zone to trigger a middle click
Elan touchpad
In Elan touchpad there are also similar features. In the Multi-finger tab > Three-Finger
And in the One-finger tab:
Dell touchpad
It's possible to modify the middle click action like other touchpads
For some other old devices you can change the left+right press to become middle click
The middle button of the track point (if available) can also be changed to middle click
Let's dive into touchpad functionalities and omnidirectional scrolling. I've spent considerable time exploring touchpad configurations and the nuances of scrolling across various applications and operating systems.
Regarding auto-scrolling in applications, middle-click functionality plays a pivotal role. For instance, in most instances, activating auto-scrolling typically involves a middle-click action. This method stands as a universal solution, but the execution might differ based on touchpad types and configurations.
The utilization of three-finger taps as a middle-click substitute is a common default setting in several touchpad systems. Take Precision touchpads found in modern PCs; accessing the Touchpad settings allows users to adjust the Three-finger gestures to simulate a Middle mouse button, enabling a smoother auto-scrolling experience.
Synaptics touchpads offer a range of options like Three-Finger Press, Tap, and Click in their settings. Even older Synaptics devices might necessitate configuring tap zones to trigger the middle-click function, catering to variations in hardware and driver versions.
Similarly, Elan touchpads present analogous features. Users can navigate to the Multi-finger tab and customize actions for Three-Finger gestures, while the One-finger tab may offer additional settings for these touchpads.
Dell touchpads also allow for modifications in middle-click actions akin to other touchpad systems. Moreover, certain older devices might support configuring a left+right press to trigger the middle-click function, while the trackpoint's middle button, if available, can also be reassigned to serve as a middle click.
Omnidirectional scrolling, on the other hand, employs the middle-click-and-drag method across various document viewers like web browsers and PDF readers. This technique involves holding and scrolling until released or employing short clicks and scrolls until another click or the Esc key is pressed. Applications such as "Xreader" emulate drag-to-scroll gestures akin to touch screen devices like smartphones and tablets, enriching the scrolling experience.
This knowledge stems from hands-on experiences with different touchpad models, extensive research into touchpad functionalities across various operating systems, and practical application of omnidirectional scrolling in diverse document viewers and browsers.
