The cursor, a small but significant part of the overall user experience on a computer, can sometimes be difficult to see, especially for those who prefer a darker desktop background or have visual impairments. Fortunately, Mac users have several options to adjust the cursor size and color, making it easier to use their computers.
Why Change The Cursor Color?
There are several reasons why you might want to change the cursor color on your Mac. For instance, if you work in a field that requires focus and attention to detail, you may prefer a cursor color that stands out from the background. Alternatively, if you have a visual impairment, a bright cursor can help with navigation.
Accessibility Features On A Mac
Before we delve into the process of changing the cursor color, it’s essential to explore the built-in accessibility features on a Mac. The Mac operating system offers various tools and settings to make navigation easier for users with disabilities. Some of these features include:
- High Contrast Mode: This feature enhances the color contrast between the text and background on your Mac, making it easier to read and use applications.
- Zoom: This feature allows you to enlarge text and images on your Mac, making it easier to see.
- Cursor Size Adjustment: You can increase or decrease the cursor size on your Mac.
Adjusting the Cursor Size
To adjust the cursor size on your Mac:
- Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
- Click Accessibility.
- Select Display from the left sidebar.
- Move the Cursor size slider to your desired size.
Changing The Cursor Color
Now that we’ve explored the accessibility features on a Mac, let’s dive into the process of changing the cursor color. Apple does not provide an option to change the cursor color within the System Preferences. However, there are a couple of workarounds you can use:
Using Terminal Commands
You can use Terminal commands to change the cursor color on your Mac. Here’s how:
- Open the Terminal app on your Mac. To do this, you can use Spotlight by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
- Type “defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleDisableScreenUpdates -bool false” and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
- Type “defaults write -g NSWindowResizeTime -float 0.01” and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
- Type “defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleAccentColorForSelection -color ‘0.0 0.0 1’ //Blue” and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Note: In the above command, the values 0.0, 0.0, and 1 indicate the color blue. You can replace these values with RGB values of your preferred color. The RGB values should be between 0.0 and 1.0.
- Type “killall Finder; killall Dock” and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Note: These commands will change the color of the text selection highlight as well. If you want to only change the cursor color without changing the text selection highlight, you can try third-party apps.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available that allow you to change the cursor color on your Mac. Some of these apps include:
- CursorSense: This app allows you to adjust the cursor size, shape, and color, as well as add animations.
- Mousersize: This app enables you to adjust the cursor size and color, as well as display the mouse coordinates on your screen.
To use these apps:
- Download the app from the official website or the App Store.
- Install the app on your Mac.
- Launch the app and navigate to the cursor settings section.
- Follow the app’s instructions to change the cursor color.
Things to Keep in Mind
Before using third-party apps to change the cursor color, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be cautious when downloading apps from the internet, as they may pose a security risk to your Mac.
- Read the app’s terms of service and user reviews before installing and using the app.
- Some apps may require a subscription or a one-time purchase fee.
Alternative Solution: Change Desktop Background
If changing the cursor color is not possible or feasible, you can consider changing your desktop background to a lighter or brighter color. This can help make the cursor more visible.
To change your desktop background on a Mac:
- Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
- Click Desktops & Screensaver.
- Click on a pre-installed background image or select a personal image.
In conclusion, while changing the cursor color on a Mac is not a straightforward process, there are several workarounds and alternatives you can explore. By understanding the accessibility features and using the methods described in this article, you can make the cursor more visible and enhance your overall user experience on a Mac.
How Do I Change The Cursor Color On My Mac?
You can change the cursor color on your Mac by going to System Preferences, then selecting Accessibility, followed by Display. Click on ‘Cursor’ to adjust the color options. In the Display preferences, you will see a section for ‘Cursor size and color.’ Here, you can choose from a variety of colors, or you can opt to invert the cursor color based on your display.
Inverting the cursor color can be especially useful for users who have a hard time seeing the default cursor color against certain backgrounds. The default cursor color on a Mac is usually white, which can blend in with light or white backgrounds. When you invert the cursor color, the cursor will change to a darker or more distinct color to improve visibility.
What Kind Of Colors Are Available For The Cursor On Mac?
The Mac offers a variety of colors that you can choose from for your cursor. When you go to the Display preferences, you will see several pre-set color options available for the cursor. The colors can range from different shades of blue to red, green, and many more. This allows users to customize the cursor color according to their preferences or needs.
You can also opt for colors that have a high contrast ratio to improve visibility. For example, if you have a light or white background, a cursor color with high contrast will be easier to see. The pre-set color options offered on Mac cater to various user needs, making it convenient for users to personalize their cursor colors.
How Do I Make My Cursor Larger On A Mac?
In addition to changing the cursor color, you can also change its size on your Mac. To do this, go to the same Display preferences in System Preferences > Accessibility > Display > Cursor, as mentioned earlier. Once you are in the Cursor preferences, you can adjust the size of your cursor to suit your needs. A larger cursor can be especially helpful for users with visual impairments who may struggle to see the standard cursor.
When changing the cursor size, it is also a good idea to consider the color you have chosen for your cursor. A larger cursor in a high-contrast color can greatly improve visibility, especially against plain or light-colored backgrounds. Ensure that the cursor color you choose complements its size to ensure optimal visibility and usability.
Is There A Way To Invert Cursor Colors Instead Of Choosing A Specific Color?
Yes, the Mac does offer an alternative to choosing a specific color for the cursor: inverting the cursor color based on your display. Inverting the cursor color can be beneficial for users who don’t have a preferred color but need the cursor to be more visible. By inverting the cursor color based on the display, the Mac will adjust the color to offer the highest contrast ratio against different backgrounds.
When you invert the cursor color based on the display, the Mac will adjust the cursor color automatically as your display changes. For example, on light or white backgrounds, the cursor color will darken, and vice versa. This provides optimal visibility and eliminates the need to manually adjust the cursor color when switching between different applications or folders.
Can I Undo My Cursor Color Changes If I Decide I Prefer The Default Color?
The Mac allows you to revert to the default cursor color whenever you want. To do this, simply go to the Display preferences in System Preferences > Accessibility > Display > Cursor. Select ‘Use default cursor’ from the color options to reset the cursor color to the original.
Should you decide that you want to undo your changes, the original color scheme will be restored to the default, which usually matches the color chosen by the application or macOS. Reverting to the default cursor color can also help you appreciate the changes you made, or you might realize that a different color would be better suited to your needs.
Why Can’t I Find The ‘Cursor’ Option In My Accessibility Settings?
If you’re having trouble finding the ‘Cursor’ option in your Accessibility settings, ensure that you have selected the ‘Display’ tab within Accessibility. Sometimes, users might navigate to other options in the Accessibility settings and get confused about where the ‘Cursor’ option is located.
If you still can’t find the ‘Cursor’ option after verifying that you are in the correct settings, make sure that the Accessibility section is fully expanded. Some users might need to expand the ‘Accessibility’ section before accessing the various sub-options. Also, the steps may vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you are using.
Do Cursor Color Changes Affect Any Other Aspects Of My Mac’s Functionality?
The good news is that changing the cursor color does not affect any other aspect of your Mac’s functionality. The cursor color settings are purely for visual convenience, allowing users to optimize the appearance of their cursor based on their preferences or needs. You can expect all other aspects of your Mac’s functionality, including applications and workflows, to work exactly as they did before.
However, there might be rare instances where custom cursor colors cause minor issues with specific third-party apps or older software. In general, though, changing the cursor color is a harmless way to personalize your Mac experience without affecting performance.