How do I map the middle mouse button to make a double click?

Question

Ubuntu 18.04. When I click the middle mouse button, it should double click. Thanks.

EDIT: Using Unity desktop.

Answer 1

OS: Ubuntu 18:04
Required Packages: xdotool and xbindkeys

you can install these packages with sudo apt install xdotool xbindkeys

gedit .xbindkeysrc

Paste the below content

"xdotool click --repeat 2 1"
b:2

Save the file and run xbindkeys --poll-rc

now your Middle Click should work as double click.

from man xdotool some of the content

   click [options] button
       Send a click, that is, a mousedown followed by mouseup for the
       given button with a short delay between the two (currently 12ms).

       Buttons generally map this way: Left mouse is 1, middle is 2, right
       is 3, wheel up is 4, wheel down is 5.

       --clearmodifiers
           Clear modifiers before clicking. See CLEARMODIFIERS below.

       --repeat REPEAT
           Specify how many times to click. Default is 1. For a double-
           click, use '--repeat 2'

Tested on Ubuntu 18.04.3

---

Workaround

If you have installed unity like this sudo apt install unity

then use below content in .xbindkeysrc file

"xdotool click --repeat 2 1"
b:2 + Release

Tested on Ubuntu 18.04 with Unity session.

Answer 2

I've had little luck with btnx and xdotool so, if you're on Linux Mint or other Ubuntu-based distro, I would suggest input-remapper available on the repos:

sudo apt install input-remapper

Then, configure a desired button with the following code:

repeat(2, key(BTN_LEFT).w(50))

This will repeat the left button mouse with a 50ms delay. Using the standard key(BTN_LEFT).key(BTN_LEFT) did not worked for me, presumably because no ButtonRelease event was sent in time to be detected by cinnamon. Enjoy!