How to Change Your Cursor on Mac

Introduction

Video Tutorial:


Do you feel tired of using the same old cursor as everyone else on your Mac? Do you want to personalize your computer and add some fun to your desktop experience? If yes, then this is the blog post for you! In this article, we will discuss how to change your cursor on Mac, giving you the freedom to pick a more personalized cursor that complements your style. So, let’s get started!

The Challenge of Changing Your Cursor on Mac

Changing the cursor on Mac can be a bit overwhelming for users who are not familiar with how to do it. It can seem like a daunting task, But don’t worry. We have you covered with detailed instructions on the various methods you can use to change your cursor. These methods will work on both old and new Mac versions, including Mac OS X Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, and Big Sur.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we proceed to the methods, there are some things that you need to prepare to change your cursor Mac. We recommend that you first choose the cursor you want. You can find various resources to find your desired mouse cursor. You can find Mousecape which has an extensive collection of cursors for Mac users with retina displays. Alternatively, you can search for "free mouse cursors for Mac" or "mouse cursors for Mac on Deviantart."

Next, you will need to have the original cursor saved on your Mac. Do not worry if you don’t find it, and we will show you where to look.

Method 1: Using System Preferences

The first method we will discuss is using the system preferences method. This method is straightforward and suitable for all Mac users. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Click on the Apple logo on the top left side of your screen.
2. Choose System Preferences and click on Accessibility.
3. Choose Display by clicking on it in the left sidebar.
4. Click on the Cursor tab under Display.
5. Pick a suitable cursor.
6. Adjust the size of the cursor if you need to.
7. Close the preferences window.

After these steps, your cursor will be updated, and you can enjoy your newly customized cursor on Mac.

Pros:

– It is easy to switch from the default cursor to your preferred choice.
– The process does not require any third-party applications.

Cons:

– It may not be easy to get a cursor that perfectly suits your style.
– There are only a few cursor options to choose from.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

Using a third-party app is another popular way of changing the cursor on Mac. The advantage of using this method is you get a vast selection of cursor options to choose from. Some third-party apps that you can use are Mousecape, iCursor, or Cursorcerer.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Download and Install the third-party app.
2. Open the app and select the cursor you want.
3. Follow the prompts on how to install the cursor.

Pros:

– This method offers a wide selection of cursor options to choose from.
– You can customize hotkeys for the app to switch between different cursors.

Cons:

– Some third-party applications can be costly.
– It is not suitable for individuals who prefer not to download third-party applications on Mac.

Method 3: Using Terminal

If you are comfortable with command lines, you can use Terminal to change your cursor on Mac. You will need to enter a code in the syntax to change the cursor, which should not take longer than a minute. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open Terminal on your Mac.
2. Enter the following command and press enter: defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleAquaColorVariant -int 6
3. Type ‘killall SystemUIServer’ and press enter.
4. Wait for the command to execute, and the process is complete.

After following these steps, your new cursor will appear on Mac.

Pros:

– Command-line interface is efficient and does not require third-party applications.
– This method allows you to achieve a fast customized cursor experience.

Cons:

– The chances of errors are higher if you are not comfortable with command lines.
– Users with limited computer knowledge may struggle to find and use Terminal.

Why Can’t I Change My Cursor on Mac?

1. You need to have the cursor you want to change to saved on your Mac.
2. Some cursors may not be compatible with your operating system. Ensure you check the compatibility of the cursor with your Mac version before selecting it.
3. Some third-party applications may not work well with the latest MacOS versions. Ensure you check the compatibility of the third-party app with your Mac version before downloading it.

Additional Tips

Some additional tips to keep in mind include:

1. Create a backup of your cursor before changing to another cursor.
2. Ensure you check the compatibility of your Mac operating system with the third-party app before downloading it.
3. Ensure you consider cursor size and theme when selecting your preferred cursor.

5 FAQs about Changing Your Cursor on Mac

Q1: How do I know if the cursor I want to change to is compatible with my Mac version?

A1: Check the cursor’s compatibility on the website you downloaded it from or research on the cursor compatibility with the Mac version you are using.

Q2: How do I create a backup of my cursor?

A2: Navigate to your Library folder in your Home directory and look for the folder called Cursors. Create a copy of the cursor folder and save it in a safe location.

Q3: Can I change my cursor without downloading any third-party apps?

A3: Yes, you can use the System Preferences method to change your cursor.

Q4: Can I revert to my default cursor after changing to a custom cursor?

A4: Yes, you can revert to your default cursor by selecting it in the Appearance section of your System Preferences.

Q5: Do I need to restart my Mac after changing my cursor?

A5: No, you do not need to restart your Mac after changing the cursor.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, changing your cursor on a Mac is a great way to personalize your Mac and make it unique to your style. Whether you decide to use System Preferences, third-party apps, or Terminal, you can switch your cursor with ease. However, ensure you consider the cursor’s compatibility with your operating system, create a backup of the defaults cursor, and consider cursor size and themes. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into how to change the cursor on Mac.