To highlight the cursor in PowerPoint, you can utilize the built-in Laser Pointer feature during a slideshow presentation, or adjust your operating system's settings to make the mouse pointer more visible for general use.
Using the Laser Pointer Feature in PowerPoint
PowerPoint's Laser Pointer tool is designed to help presenters emphasize content on their slides by turning the mouse cursor into a temporary, visible red dot (or other color). This is particularly useful for guiding your audience's attention during a live presentation.
Activating the Laser Pointer During a Slideshow
Follow these steps to activate the laser pointer when your presentation is running:
- Start your slideshow: Begin your PowerPoint presentation from the beginning or the current slide.
- Hover your mouse: While in slideshow mode, hover your mouse anywhere on the slide.
- Access the presentation toolbar: Move your mouse towards the bottom-left corner of the slide. A small toolbar will appear with three little icons or controls.
- Select the Pen Tool: Click on the pen tool icon (which often looks like a pen or a small circular dot with an upward arrow) from the revealed toolbar.
- Choose Laser Pointer: A context menu will appear. Select "Laser Pointer" from the options.
Once activated, your mouse cursor will transform into a glowing red dot (by default) that you can move around the screen to highlight specific areas of your slides.
Quick Activation Tip:
You can also quickly activate the laser pointer during a slideshow by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking the left mouse button.
Customizing the Laser Pointer Color
You can change the color of the laser pointer to suit your preferences:
- Go to the Slide Show tab in the PowerPoint ribbon.
- Click on Set Up Slide Show.
- In the "Set Up Show" dialog box, locate the "Show options" section.
- Next to "Laser pointer color:", click the dropdown menu and choose your desired color (e.g., green, blue).
- Click OK to apply the change.
Laser Pointer Feature Summary
For a quick reference on activating the laser pointer:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Start Slideshow | Launch your presentation. |
| 2. Hover Mouse | Move your mouse over the slide to reveal controls. |
| 3. Click Pen Tool Icon | Select the icon that looks like a pen (often in the bottom-left toolbar). |
| 4. Select "Laser Pointer" | Choose this option from the menu. |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Hold Ctrl + Left Mouse Button during slideshow. |
Enhancing Cursor Visibility for General Use
If you're looking to make your mouse cursor more visible outside of the laser pointer function, or for general computer use (which will also apply within PowerPoint when not in slideshow mode), you can adjust your operating system's mouse pointer settings. This can include increasing its size, changing its color, or adding a pointer trail.
Adjusting Cursor Settings in Windows
To make your mouse pointer more prominent in Windows:
- Open Mouse Settings:
- Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.
- Alternatively, search for "Mouse settings" in the Windows search bar.
- Adjust Pointer Size and Color:
- Click on "Additional mouse settings" or "Mouse pointer" (depending on your Windows version).
- In the "Mouse Properties" dialog box, go to the "Pointers" tab. You can select a different scheme with larger pointers.
- For Windows 10/11, you might find options directly under Mouse settings or Ease of Access > Mouse pointer and touch to change the pointer size, color, or add a custom color.
- Add Pointer Trails (Optional):
- In the "Mouse Properties" dialog box, go to the "Pointer Options" tab.
- Under "Visibility," check the box for "Display pointer trails" and adjust the length to your preference.
- Click Apply and then OK.
For more detailed information, refer to Microsoft Support.
Adjusting Cursor Settings on Mac
To increase the visibility of your mouse pointer on macOS:
- Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions).
- Navigate to Accessibility: Scroll down and click on "Accessibility".
- Adjust Display Settings: In the Accessibility sidebar, select "Display".
- Enhance Pointer Size: Under the "Pointer" tab, locate the "Pointer size" slider and drag it to increase the size of your cursor. You can also enable "Shake mouse pointer to locate" to temporarily enlarge the pointer when you quickly move your mouse.
- Change Pointer Outline/Fill Color (Optional): Click on "Pointer outline color" or "Pointer fill color" to customize the appearance of your pointer.
For more information, visit Apple Support.
Third-Party Tools for Advanced Cursor Highlighting
For more advanced cursor highlighting effects, such as a spotlight around the cursor, a circle that appears on clicks, or persistent visual cues, several third-party applications are available. Tools like ZoomIt (from Microsoft Sysinternals) or Cursor Highlighter offer features beyond the default operating system and PowerPoint capabilities, which can be useful for tutorials, online presentations, or demonstrations.
