> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gpmautomate.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gpmautomate.com/automate-en/action-guide/mouse/mouse-press-and-hold.md).

# Mouse press and hold

Mouse press and hold is an action that commands the mouse pointer to press down the left mouse button and maintain that pressed state (not released). This action typically does not stand alone but serves as a starting step for complex operations simulating real user behavior.

🎥 Watch the tutorial video: [Here](https://youtu.be/kQZWs1I76Zo).

#### Configuration of the hold position:

Similar to other mouse interaction actions, you can specify the position to hold the mouse according to two main mechanisms:

* By XPath: Move to the center of the element specified by the XPath on the webpage and then hold.
* By coordinates: Move to a fixed pixel point x,y or pass a variable that combines coordinates (For example, the variable `$pos` in the form of `900,800` obtained from the Image search action) to perform the hold.

#### Practical applications:

This action is a necessary link when you want to perform a series of Drag and Drop operations:

* Decoding Slider Captcha: Hold the slider (`Mouse press and hold`) ➔ Move the mouse to a coordinate X to match the image (`Mouse move`) ➔ Release the mouse to complete the verification (`Mouse release`).
* Drawing or selecting a region: Hold at the starting point, move the mouse to sweep a data area or draw a line on Canvas/Game applications, then release the mouse.


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