Pointer

Reference

Description

The pointer is a graphical cue, usually in the shape of an arrow, that a user can move with a pointing device. Users place the pointer over an element they want to work with. A position on the pointer, called the hot spot, tracks the movement of the input device and is the location where input device actions occur.

Figure 48. Pointer Hot Spot.

View figure.

When to Use

Required

Display a pointer whenever the operating environment allows the user to move it.

Recommended

Use different pointer shapes to provide a visual indication of the kind of interaction allowed. For example, use a spray can pointer to indicate that the user can "paint" in a drawing area.

Required

Use the hot spot to target (point to) the window, object, element, or selection under the pointer. If multiple elements are under the pointer, the topmost element is generally considered the element pointed to by the pointer.

Guidelines

Required

When no other element-specific or task-specific pointer is displayed, display the arrow pointer.

Required

Do not create new pointer shapes for operations that already have pointer shapes associated with them.

Required

If the pointer can be warped (that is, moved by the application without reference to any user control of the pointing device), allow the operating environment to disable this feature and prevent the pointer from being warped.

Required

Define a hot spot for each pointer shape.

Recommended

Place the hot spot at a visually distinguishable position of the pointer shape.

Recommended

If the pointer graphic has no visually distinguishable feature, place the hot spot at its center, if it is a symmetrical graphic.

Required

For users unable to use a standard pointing device, support a mode whose only effect is to enable the directional keys, possibly modified with Ctrl, to act as a pointing device.

Required

Support access for users unable to press a pointer button or move the pointer simultaneously or for users who need to perform more precise placement than possible with a standard pointing device.

Required

If your interface enters a mode on a pointer button press and supports behavior on pointer motion in that mode, and there is no other efficient alternative means of providing the same effect, then do the following:

1. Provide a means of entering that mode via the keyboard, clicking a pointer button (possibly augmented by modifier keys), or both.

2. Support both the pointing device and the directional keys as a means of moving the pointer in that mode, with an unmodified directional key moving the pointer by one pixel in the direction indicated, and a directional key modified by Ctrl moving the pointer by a larger increment.

3. Do not change the effect of other keyboard actions. In particular, support Enter to complete the operation and to exit from the mode, Cancel to cancel the operation and to exit from the mode, and Help to obtain help.

Recommended

When both the pointer and focus are on a control that is using a text or graphics cursor, hide the pointer until the mouse is moved after either of the following:

1. The user types a text character that is inserted.

2. The user uses keyboard navigation to move the cursor.

Recommended

If you provide a warning signal associated with a pointer shape, provide the warning signal only when the pointer changes to that shape. For instance, a drag pointer could change to a "dropping image" and generate a warning signal when it moves over the trash can icon. Do not, however, keep generating the warning signal while the pointer is held over the trash can.

Required

Use the hot spot position of the pointer to track the movement of the input device and the location where input device actions occur.

Required

As the pointer changes shape, indicating a change in the function of the current area, do not change the location of the hot spot on the screen.

Recommended

Do not warp the pointer when the user operates a pointing device.

Essential Related Topics

For more information, see the Pointer (Predefined) reference page.

Supplemental Related Topics

For more information, see the Direct Manipulation, Keyboard (Device), and Mouse (Device) reference pages.