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Life & fun · December 16, 2025

PJ

Picknplace.js, an alternative to drag-and-drop

I find that the drag and drop experience can quickly become a nightmare, especially on mobile. To tap, hold, drag, and scroll, all at the same time, is both difficult to achieve, and prone to errors. I've always had in mind this 2-step approach, where picking an element and placing it were two separate steps. So I implemented this basic version to showcase my idea. While it might take more time than a regular drag and drop, the benefit is for people who struggle with holding down the mouse button. With picknplace.js, you only need two clicks and some scrolling. This solution is meant as an…

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In plain words

Picknplace.js is a JavaScript library that replaces drag-and-drop with a two-step interaction model: pick an element, then place it. Designed for users who find traditional drag-and-drop cumbersome, especially on mobile devices, it eliminates the need to simultaneously tap, hold, drag, and scroll. Instead, users need only two clicks and scrolling. The approach takes longer than standard drag-and-drop but improves accessibility for those who struggle with holding down mouse buttons.

written from the facts on this page · September 2026

From the sources

In the maker’s words, at launch

I find that the drag and drop experience can quickly become a nightmare, especially on mobile. To tap, hold, drag, and scroll, all at the same time, is both difficult to achieve, and prone to errors. I've always had in mind this 2-step approach, where picking an element and placing it were two separate steps. So I implemented this basic version to showcase my idea. While it might take more time than a regular drag and drop, the benefit is for people who struggle with holding down the mouse button. With picknplace.js, you only need two clicks and some scrolling. This solution is meant as an experiment, so I'm open to discussion.

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