In the FreeBSD text console, start the mouse daemon, drag with the left button to select text, then press the middle button to paste it at the text cursor. The right button extends the selection. This is a console procedure—not a universal shortcut for graphical terminals or tmux.
Copy and paste in the FreeBSD text console
The FreeBSD FAQ’s instructions apply to the text console. The mouse daemon, moused, must be running for mouse selection and pasting to work there. FreeBSD’s Handbook describes the system console and virtual consoles as command-line environments; they are distinct from terminal windows running in a graphical desktop.
- Make sure
mousedis running. If it is not, start or configure it using the instructions for your mouse and FreeBSD release in the FreeBSD FAQ and the installed moused(8) manual. - Hold the left mouse button and move the pointer over the text you want to select.
- Move the text cursor to the desired insertion point, then press the middle mouse button to paste the selection.
- To extend the selected region, use the right mouse button as described in the FAQ.
If your mouse has no middle button, the FAQ says it can be emulated or remapped with mouse-daemon options. The exact configuration depends on the device and release; consult the installed moused(8) manual instead of applying options intended for another setup. A standard mouse with a clickable wheel may provide a physical middle button, but no FreeBSD-specific model is required.
Identify which terminal environment you are using
The right mouse action depends on where the shell is running. First determine whether you are at a local text console, in a graphical terminal emulator, or inside tmux. The text-console button sequence does not automatically apply to the other two.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Computer mouse for easily navigating a computer interface; click, scroll, and more
- USB-A wired connection; if existing device only supports USB-C, an additional adapter will be required
- High-definition (1000 dpi) optical tracking ensures responsive cursor control for precise tracking and easy text selection
- 3 buttons offer effortless fingertip control
- Plug-and-go ready for instant use
| Environment | What controls selection and paste | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| FreeBSD text console | moused and the console’s mouse handling |
Confirm the daemon is running and that the mouse provides usable button inputs. |
| Graphical terminal emulator | The emulator and desktop’s selection and clipboard behavior | Use the emulator’s controls; xterm, for example, uses X selections such as PRIMARY and CLIPBOARD. |
| Shell inside tmux | tmux mouse handling and copy buffer, plus terminal support and configuration for clipboard integration | Check whether mouse mode is enabled and whether the terminal supports the clipboard behavior you expect. |
Why the text-console shortcut may not work elsewhere
Graphical terminal emulator
In a graphical terminal, selection and paste are governed by the terminal emulator and desktop rather than the text-console procedure. The FreeBSD xterm(1) manual describes X selection behavior, including PRIMARY and CLIPBOARD. Which selection is used and how paste is triggered depends on the emulator and its settings, so do not assume that middle-button behavior in the console maps directly to every graphical terminal.
tmux session
tmux adds its own mouse-event handling and copy buffer. The cited tmux(1) manual describes mouse support as optional and off by default; when enabled, tmux can handle mouse events, including copy behavior. A selection copied into tmux’s buffer is not necessarily in the host system clipboard. Clipboard integration depends on terminal capabilities and relevant tmux settings, so follow the manual matching your installed tmux version rather than copying a setting intended for a different terminal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Plug and Play for Home/Office/School】The wireless computer mouse features 2.4GHz connectivity, delivering a stable, interference-free connection up to 32ft. Designed for 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, it ensures comfortable use all day. Simply plug in the USB-A receiver for instant pairing—no drivers needed. 📌📌 If the mouse isn’t suitable, place the USB receiver in the battery compartment and return both.
- 【3 Levels Adjustable DPI】This travel USB mouse offers 3 adjustable DPI settings (800, 1200, 1600), allowing you to customize sensitivity for precise design work. Effortlessly switch to match your task and elevate your productivity. 📌 Please remove the film at the bottom of the mouse before use.
- 【Effortless Browsing】Equipped with forward and backward buttons, this computer mice streamlines your workflow, making it easy to navigate through web pages and files with a simple click. 📌Side button does not work on Mac.
- 【Visible Indicator Light】 The pc mouse features a visual indicator for DPI levels and low battery alerts. The red light flashes once for 800 DPI, twice for 1200 DPI, and three times for 1600 DPI. When the battery level is below 10%, the light flashes red until the mouse is completely out of power.
- 【Click to Wake】With smart sleep mode, it saves power by standby after 10 inactive minutes, just 2-3 clicks to wake. This efficient design delivers 3x longer battery life than motion-wake mice. Engineered for durability, its buttons and scroll wheel are tested for 10 million clicks, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance.
Rank #4
- Slim and Comfortable Design: The Lenovo 100 Wired USB Mouse boasts a slim grip full-size mouse with an ambidextrous design, ensuring a comfortable fit in your hand, whether you're left or right-handed.
- Built to Last: Rest assured about durability with the Lenovo 100 Wired USB Mouse. It's engineered for a 3 million clicks button life, delivering long-lasting performance that stands the test of time.
- Reliable Wired Connection: Enjoy an easy and reliable connection to your PC via a 1.7-meter USB-A cable. No need to worry about signal drop-offs or battery replacements; this mouse is always ready for action.
- Precision and Smooth Movement: The Lenovo 100 Wired USB Mouse offers precise movement with its 1000 DPI resolution and red optical sensor. Glide smoothly from window to window, ensuring accurate and efficient navigation.
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: This hassle-free mouse is designed for productivity. It features a straightforward plug-and-play connection to PCs with a USB-A cable, making it a practical choice for users seeking a reliable and efficient pointing device.
Rank #3
- A comfortable, ambidextrous shape feels good in either hand, so you feel more comfortable as you work-even at the end of the day
- With 800 dpi sensitivity, you'll get precise cursor control so you can edit documents and navigate the Web more efficiently
- Side-to-side scrolling plus zoom lets you instantly zoom in or out and scroll horizontally and vertically; perfect for working with spreadsheets and presentations.
- Zero setup with flexible connectivity means you just plug it into your USB or PS/2 port-it works right out of the box
- This mouse is built by Logitech-the mouse experts; it comes with the quality and design we've built into more than a billion mice, more than any other manufacturer
Rank #2
- Compact Mouse: With a comfortable and contoured shape, this Logitech ambidextrous wireless mouse feels great in either right or left hand and is far superior to a touchpad
- Durable and Reliable: This USB wireless mouse features a line-by-line scroll wheel, up to 1 year of battery life (2) thanks to a smart sleep mode function, and comes with the included AA battery
- Universal Compatibility: Your Logitech mouse works with your Windows PC, Mac, or laptop, so no matter what type of computer you own today or buy tomorrow your mouse will be compatible
- Plug and Play Simplicity: Just plug in the tiny nano USB receiver and start working in seconds with a strong, reliable connection to your wireless computer mouse up to 33 feet / 10 m (5)
- Better than touchpad: Get more done by adding M185 to your laptop; according to a recent study, laptop users who chose this mouse over a touchpad were 50% more productive (3) and worked 30% faster (4)
Troubleshoot mouse selection and paste
- Nothing selects at the text console: verify that
mousedis running, then check the device-specific instructions in the local moused(8) manual. - You can select but cannot paste with the middle button: check whether the mouse reports a usable middle-button action. If it does not, consult
moused(8)for the appropriate emulation or remapping options for your device. - The same buttons behave differently in a desktop window: use the terminal emulator’s selection and paste controls; the text-console sequence is not a general graphical-terminal rule.
- Selection works in tmux but does not reach another application: distinguish tmux’s copy buffer from the system clipboard, then check the local tmux manual and the terminal’s clipboard capabilities.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
