For some Mac users, the mouse icon is too small or too similar to the background color to conveniently see. Or perhaps you don't have a problem finding your cursor, but would simply like to change the cursor appearance for aesthetic reasons. In either case, we'll cover how to change your mouse settings on your Mac.
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How to Change Cursor on Mac
It's important to note that in order to get the full range of options below, you'll first need to upgrade to macOS Monterey if you haven't already done so. Otherwise, you might be limited to only being able to change your cursor size. For more nifty tips on your Mac settings and features, consider signing up for our free Tip of the Day Newsletter. Now, here's how to change your cursor on Mac.
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
![Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen to open the Apple menu.]()
- Click System Preferences.
![Click System Preferences to find the mouse cursor changer.]()
- Click Accessibility.
![Click Accessibility to find the Mac cursor settings.]()
- Click Pointer.
![Click Pointer. This is where you can customize mouse cursor appearance.]()
- If you have trouble finding your cursor, check the box labeled Shake mouse pointer to locate. When selected, the arrow will become larger for a second when you quickly move the pointer back and forth.
![Shake mouse pointer to locate. When this checkbox is checked, if you quickly shake the mouse back and forth, the arrow will become huge for a moment so that you can easily find it.]()
- If you want to adjust the pointer size, drag this slider to the left to make the cursor smaller or to the right to make it larger.
![Pointer size: Click and drag this slider left or right to make the mouse arrow smaller or larger.]()
- To adjust the pointer outline color, click the color rectangle, then click to select a cursor outline color on the color wheel.
![Pointer outline color: Click on the color rectangle, then choose your cursor outline color using the color wheel.]()
- To adjust the pointer fill color, click the color rectangle, then click to select a color to fill your cursor (the color inside the outline).
![Pointer fill color: Click on the color rectangle, then choose the color that fills your cursor (inside the outline) using the color wheel.]()
- If you decide you don't like your changes, click Reset to reset your cursor settings to the default.
![Reset: Click this to reset your cursor settings to the default.]()
Once you've finished adjusting your cursor settings, you can simply close System Preferences and continue working with your customized Mac cursor. Now you know how to adjust the default cursor settings that come with your Mac!
