How do I map the thumb wheel for horizontal scrolling or app specific actions on the MX Master 3S?

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Applies to / Last updated
Logitech MX Master 3S • Logi Options+ on Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 12 or later • Last updated: 30 October 2025

Problem

You want the thumb wheel to do more than default horizontal scrolling. You may want it to switch browser tabs, scrub a video timeline, zoom a canvas, or perform different actions depending on the app. You are unsure where to change these settings or why the thumb wheel behaves differently across programs.

Solution

Use Logi Options+ to customize the thumb wheel in the Global profile and in app specific profiles. Keep horizontal scroll as the default for spreadsheets and wide documents, then create overrides for apps like browsers, editors, and creative tools. Fine tune sensitivity in Point and Scroll, and align in app settings so the thumb wheel does exactly what you expect.

Step-by-step instructions

1) Open thumb wheel settings in Logi Options+

  1. Launch Logi Options+ and select MX Master 3S.
  2. Go to Buttons.
  3. Click the Thumb wheel mapping. You will see options such as Horizontal scroll, Switch tabs, Zoom, Keystroke assignment, and Smart Actions.

2) Set a Global default

  1. Under the Global profile, choose Horizontal scroll as the default if you work with spreadsheets, wide PDFs, or timeline content.
  2. Open Point and Scroll and adjust Thumb wheel sensitivity if available. Higher sensitivity moves farther per tick.

3) Create app specific profiles

  1. In Options+, click Add app, then pick an installed application.
  2. With that app selected in the sidebar, change the Thumb wheel mapping to match the workflow. Examples:
    • Browsers: Set Switch tabs for left or right turns.
    • Excel and Google Sheets: Keep Horizontal scroll.
    • Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut: Map to Timeline zoom or Horizontal scroll for scrubbing.
    • Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma: Map to Zoom or Brush size using Keystroke assignment that mirrors app shortcuts.
    • VS Code, JetBrains, Visual Studio: Map to Switch tabs or Navigate editor groups.
    • Notion, Obsidian, Word: Use Zoom or Navigate headings with keystrokes.

4) Use Keystroke assignment for full control

  1. Choose Keystroke assignment when the built in list does not expose the function you need.
  2. Record the app shortcut you already use for that action, then save.
  3. Test and refine until the thumb wheel feels natural in that app.

5) Add Smart Actions for multi step tasks

  1. Choose Smart Actions and create a custom action if you want the thumb wheel to do more than one thing.
  2. For example, one tick could send a modifier plus a shortcut to jump between sections or markers.
  3. Keep it simple to avoid accidental triggers during fast scrolling.

6) Align with in app preferences

  1. Many creative tools have their own settings for zoom direction, brush size increments, and timeline behavior.
  2. Open the app preferences and ensure the shortcut logic matches what you assigned in Options+.
  3. Disable conflicting utilities that also intercept the wheel.

7) Test and refine across monitors and input methods

  1. Try your mappings on both Windows and macOS if you switch platforms.
  2. Ensure Options+ has Accessibility and Input permissions on macOS and is allowed to run at startup on Windows.
  3. If behavior is intermittent, update firmware and move any Logi Bolt receiver closer on a short USB extension.

Optional methods or tools

  • Per app presets in Options+ as a starting point for common tools.
  • PowerToys on Windows or BetterTouchTool on macOS for extra window and zoom controls if you want key based zoom tied to the thumb wheel.
  • USB A extension for the receiver to reduce interference that can make wheel input feel delayed.

Best practices or tips

  • Keep the Global profile simple and predictable, then push specialized behavior into app specific profiles.
  • Favor native app shortcuts in Keystroke assignments to ensure reliability after app updates.
  • Use Zoom or Brush size mappings with modest sensitivity to avoid over correction in creative apps.
  • Document your core mappings or enable cloud sync in Options+ so your layouts follow you to other computers.
  • If a mapping stops working, confirm the target app is focused and that Options+ has the required permissions.

A well tuned thumb wheel can save significant time in wide or dense interfaces. Horizontal scroll is excellent for sheets and timelines, while app specific overrides let you scrub, zoom, or switch tabs without moving your hand. By aligning Options+ mappings with native app shortcuts, you get consistent behavior that survives software updates and keeps your muscle memory intact.

If you see inconsistent results, check for app level settings and competing utilities that may intercept wheel input. Keep firmware and Options+ updated, place receivers where the signal is clean, and review sensitivity after a day of real work. Small refinements deliver a noticeable improvement in accuracy and comfort.

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