---
title: mouseDown
card_id: 20071
---

# mouseDown

```
mouseDown
```

Handler:

```
on mouseDown
  [ph:statements]
end mouseDown
```

HyperCard sends the `mouseDown` message to a button or to a locked field when the user presses the mouse button down and the pointer is inside the rectangle of the button or field.

HyperCard sends `mouseDown` to the current card when the user presses the mouse button down and the pointer is not in the rectangle of a button or field.

## Related Topics

* [mouse](/HyperTalkReference/functions/mouse)
* [mouseClick](/HyperTalkReference/functions/mouseClick)
* [Where messages are sent initially](/HyperTalkReference/systemmessages/Where-messages-are-sent-initially)