Where to find cursor settings on your Mac

You can change your cursor through System Settings, which is the main control panel for your Mac. Open System Settings, then go to Accessibility in the sidebar. From there, select Display, and you'll see a Cursor Size slider near the bottom of the window.

This built-in method lets you make your cursor larger or smaller, which is useful if you find the default size hard to see. The slider ranges from small to large, and you can test each size in real time before you settle on one.

If you want to change the cursor's appearance beyond just size — like switching to a different style or color — you'll need to use a third-party app, since macOS doesn't include a built-in option for that. The steps below cover both the native size adjustment and how to explore other cursor options.

Key Takeaways

  • The quickest way to adjust cursor size is through System Settings > Accessibility > Display, where a slider lets you make it larger or smaller.
  • macOS does not include a built-in tool to change cursor color or style, so you'll need a third-party app if you want those changes.
  • Popular third-party cursor apps include Cursor Pro, Mousepose, and Lasso, each offering different styles and customization options.
  • Some cursor apps require a one-time purchase, while others are free with optional paid versions that unlock more styles.

Adjusting cursor size in System Settings

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting System Settings. In the sidebar, click Accessibility, then click Display in the list on the left.

Scroll down until you see the Cursor Size section. You'll see a slider with a small cursor icon on the left and a large one on the right. Drag the slider to the right to make your cursor bigger, or to the left to make it smaller. The change takes effect immediately, so you can see how it looks as you adjust.

If you want to return to the default size, move the slider back to the middle position. This method works on all recent versions of macOS and doesn't require any additional software.

Using third-party apps to change cursor style and color

If you want to change what your cursor looks like — not just its size — you'll need to download a third-party app. These apps replace your default cursor with custom designs, colors, or animated styles.

Cursor Pro is one popular option available on the Mac App Store. It offers dozens of pre-made cursor styles and lets you customize colors and size. Mousepose is another choice that adds visual effects to your cursor, like a spotlight or magnification, which can help you locate it on screen during presentations or recordings.

Lasso is a free option that highlights your cursor with a circle or other shape, making it easier to track during screen sharing. Each app works differently, so check the description and reviews before downloading to see which features match what you're looking for.

Installing and using a cursor customization app

Download your chosen app from the Mac App Store or the developer's website. Open the app, and it will usually ask for permission to control your cursor — click Allow when prompted. Most cursor apps then place a menu icon in your menu bar (the top-right area of your screen) where you can switch between cursor styles or adjust settings.

Once installed, the app runs in the background and applies your chosen cursor style automatically. You can usually switch styles on the fly by clicking the menu icon and selecting a different option. Some apps let you set different cursors for different tasks — for example, a larger cursor for work and a smaller one for gaming.

If you decide you don't like the app, uninstall it by dragging it to the Trash from your Applications folder. Your cursor will return to the default macOS style once the app is removed.

Free versus paid cursor apps

Several cursor apps are free to download and use. Lasso costs nothing and works well if you mainly want to make your cursor more visible. Some other free options offer basic styles but may include ads or limit how many cursors you can use at once.

Paid apps like Cursor Pro typically cost between $5 and $15 as a one-time purchase and include more styles, better customization, and no ads. Some developers offer a free version with a limited set of cursors and a paid upgrade that unlocks the full library. Check the app's description to see what's included in the free version before you download.

If you only need a larger cursor or a slight visual change, the built-in System Settings adjustment may be all you need, and it costs nothing. Reserve a third-party app for when you want more creative control over your cursor's appearance.

Troubleshooting cursor changes that don't work

If you adjust the cursor size in System Settings but it doesn't change, restart your Mac. Sometimes the setting doesn't take effect until you restart. Go to the Apple menu, select Restart, and wait for your Mac to boot back up.

If you installed a third-party cursor app and it's not working, check that you gave it permission to control your cursor. Go back to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility, and look for the app's name in the list. If it's not there, click the plus button, find the app in your Applications folder, and add it.

Some cursor apps conflict with each other or with certain software like screen recording tools. If you have multiple cursor apps installed, try uninstalling all but one to see if that fixes the problem. You can also check the app's support page or contact the developer if the issue persists.

Cursor settings that sync across your devices

If you use multiple Macs and have iCloud enabled, some of your accessibility settings — including cursor size — sync automatically across your devices. This means if you change the cursor size on your MacBook, the same size will appear on your iMac or Mac mini the next time you sign in.

Third-party cursor apps don't sync this way. If you install a custom cursor app on one Mac, you'll need to install it separately on your other Macs and configure the settings again. This is one reason some people prefer to stick with the built-in cursor size adjustment if they use multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my cursor even bigger than the largest setting in System Settings?

The slider in System Settings has a maximum size, but some third-party apps let you go larger. Cursor Pro and similar tools often include extra-large cursor options beyond what macOS offers by default. Download one of these apps if the built-in maximum isn't big enough for your needs.

Will changing my cursor slow down my Mac?

Adjusting cursor size in System Settings has no impact on performance. Third-party cursor apps use very little processing power and won't noticeably slow your Mac down, even on older models. If you notice your Mac running slowly after installing an app, the cursor app is unlikely to be the cause.

Can I use different cursors for different programs?

Some third-party cursor apps let you set different styles for different situations, but macOS doesn't support per-app cursor settings natively. A few advanced apps like Cursor Pro have profiles or rules you can create, but this requires manual setup. For most users, one cursor style across all programs is the standard approach.

What happens to my cursor if I uninstall a third-party app?

Your cursor returns to the default macOS style immediately after you uninstall the app. There's no cleanup needed — just drag the app to the Trash and empty it. Your cursor settings in System Settings remain unchanged and will still be active.

Do cursor apps work on the latest version of macOS?

Most popular cursor apps are updated regularly to work with the latest macOS versions. Before downloading, check the app's description or reviews to confirm it supports your version of macOS. If an app hasn't been updated in several years, it may not work properly on the newest systems.