Pointer & Cursor
A pointer or cursor marks where a pointing device sits on the screen. Its shape can mean select, type, drag, resize, wait, or unavailable.
Select this text to see the text cursor.
A real example
A card keeps the normal arrow. Its link shows a hand pointer. A draggable divider shows a resize cursor.
Main parts
- 01Visible label
- 02Interaction target
- 03Current state
- 04Keyboard behavior
Use it when
Use a cursor shape that honestly shows what will happen at that spot.
Do not use it when
Never show a hand pointer on something people can't use. Never make the cursor shape the only clue.
Name used in code
cursor Before you ship
Give assistive tools the control’s name (accessible name), purpose (role), value, and state. Check keyboard use, visible focus, target size, disabled and busy states, feedback, and recovery.
Outcome: Use Pointer & Cursor to solve this user need without losing the current context. User context: A card keeps the normal arrow. Its link shows a hand pointer. A draggable divider shows a resize cursor. Recommended pattern: Pointer & Cursor. Why it fits: Use a cursor shape that honestly shows what will happen at that spot. Do not use it when: Never show a hand pointer on something people can't use. Never make the cursor shape the only clue. Product requirements: Define the default, loading, empty, error, success, and recovery states. Keep user input. Give clear feedback after every action. Accessibility and resilience: Use semantic HTML, full keyboard access, and visible focus. Make the layout work when zoomed and support reduced motion. Follow the project’s current rules. Do not add a new UI library unless the project already uses it. Acceptance criteria: The main task works with keyboard only and at 320px width. Focus and status changes are announced. Check loading, failure, retry, cancel, and reduced-motion paths. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): A formal document may still be a draft, release candidate, or final version. Check its status and browser or platform support. Unknowns to confirm: Product wording, data source, analytics events, supported devices and languages, and platform limits.
Check this request
Review the current use of Pointer & Cursor. Definition: A pointer or cursor marks where a pointing device sits on the screen. Its shape can mean select, type, drag, resize, wait, or unavailable. Release checks: Give assistive tools the control’s name (accessible name), purpose (role), value, and state. Check keyboard use, visible focus, target size, disabled and busy states, feedback, and recovery. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.