How to Locate Your Mouse Pointer in Ubuntu Linux
Pressing the Left Ctrl key in Ubuntu Linux makes your mouse pointer flash and displays an orange circle around it. This built-in pointer locator helps you spot your cursor instantly on a busy desktop or a large monitor without needing to shake the mouse.
Ubuntu hides your small cursor by default during fast typing or when you look away from the screen. Tapping that key saves you time by bringing your eyes right back to the arrow immediately.
Press the CTRL key to reveal a visual spotlight around your mouse pointer. This feature, called “Locate Pointer,” is enabled in System Settings under Accessibility, in the Pointing & Clicking section.
How to find your mouse pointer fast on Ubuntu Linux
To locate pointer Ubuntu settings, open the System Settings panel and turn on the accessibility feature that shows a visual ripple or enlarges your cursor when you press the CTRL key. This built-in shortcut helps you quickly spot your mouse pointer on busy screens or multi-monitor setups without installing extra software.
Ubuntu Linux organizes most settings in a central location called the System Settings panel. Here, manage various system configurations, create new user accounts, and update your software.
Alternatively, access these options from the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop bar.
From the System menu, select Settings, as shown in the image below.
In the Settings app, click the Accessibility tile to open that section.
Then, turn the Locate Point button to On to enable it.
To turn it off, flip the switch back to Off.
Once enabled, hold down the CTRL key, and you will see the pointer's location.
That completes the process. Close the Settings app.
Conclusion:
- Enabling the Locate Pointer feature can help users quickly find the mouse pointer on Ubuntu Linux.
- This feature is especially useful for individuals with poor vision or those using wide, high-resolution screens.
- The CTRL key can be utilized to toggle the visibility of the pointer's location, providing a convenient way to keep track of its position.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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