Mouse Pointer
What is a Mouse Pointer?
Definition
A mouse pointer is the on-screen indicator that shows the current position of a mouse or trackpad on the display. It marks the location where a click, selection, or other action will take effect. This visual cue allows interaction with specific items or areas of the screen with precision.
Frayer Model Overview
Download Printable Mouse Pointer Frayer Model (PDF)
Characteristics
Moves in response to mouse or trackpad movement
Changes shape depending on context or location
Indicates the current point of interaction on the screen
Always visible when the mouse is in use
Does not contain content itself
Examples
The arrow used to point at icons or menu items
A text-shaped pointer when hovering over editable text
A hand-shaped pointer when hovering over a link
A resize pointer shown near the edge of a window
A spinning or busy pointer indicating the system is working
Non-Examples
The mouse or trackpad as a physical device
An icon on the desktop
Highlighted or selected text
A window or dialog box
The screen background