Windows 8 – Touch: swipe, tap, and beyond

Here is a recent post from the Microsoft Windows Site for Windows 8:

If you want to know what we mean when we mention swipe, tap, or other ways to interact with Windows 8 or Windows RT when you’re using a touchscreen , take a look at this table.

What we say How to do it What it does
Tap

Windows 8 - Illustration of tapping
 Tap once on the item. Opens whatever you tap. Similar to clicking with a mouse.
Press and hold

Windows 8 - Illustration of pressing and holding
 Press your finger down and leave it there for a few seconds. Shows info to help you learn more about an item.Opens a menu specific to what you’re doing. Similar to right-clicking with a mouse.
Pinch or stretch to zoom

Windows 8 - Illustration of pinching to zoom
 Touch the screen or an item with two or more fingers, and then move the fingers toward each other (pinch) or away from each other (stretch). Shows different levels of info. A good place to explore this is the Start screen.Visually zooms in or out, like with pictures or maps.
Rotate

Windows 8 - Illustration of two fingers and an arrow indicating the fingers are turning an object
 Put two or more fingers on an item and then turn your hand. Rotates things in the direction you turn your hand. Only some items can be rotated.
Slide to scroll

Windows 8 - Illustration of scrolling
 Drag your finger on the screen. Moves through what’s on the screen. Similar to scrolling with a mouse.
Slide to rearrange

Windows 8 - Illustration of sliding
 Press and drag an item in the opposite direction you would scroll. (For example, if you would scroll left or right, drag the item up or down.) When you’ve moved the item to the new location, release it. Moves an item. Similar to dragging with a mouse. A good place to explore this is the Start screen.
Swipe to select

Windows 8 - Illustration of swiping
 Slide an item a short distance in the opposite direction compared to how the page scrolls. (For example, if you would scroll left or right, slide the item up or down.) A quick, short movement works best. Selects an item, like a photo or tile on Start. This often brings up app commands.
Swipe from edge

Windows 8 - Illustration of swiping in from the edge of a screen
 Starting on the edge, swipe in.
  • Right edge: Opens the charms (Search, Share, Start, Devices, Settings).
  • Left edge:
    • Brings in open apps.
    • Snaps apps. Swipe in from the left edge and drag the app until a divider appears, and then move the app where you want it. Slide the divider to adjust app size.
    • Shows your recently opened apps. Swipe in from the left edge without lifting your finger, and then push the app back toward the left edge.
    • Closes apps. Swipe an app from the list without lifting your finger, and then drag it to the bottom of the screen.
  • Top or bottom edge:
    • Shows commands, like New and Refresh.
    • Closes apps. Swipe down from the top without lifting your finger, and then drag the app to the bottom of the screen.

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