How to Include the Mouse Cursor in a Screenshot

Tap a platform to see how it works.

Windows

In Snipping Tool settings, turn on "Show cursor" (or "Include pointer"), and the cursor shape gets captured along with the rest of the screenshot.

Mac

The default screenshot shortcut doesn't include the cursor, so you may need a workaround using the spacebar during a Cmd+Shift+4 capture, or a dedicated third-party app.

Why include the cursor

When you're making a user guide or tutorial that needs to show exactly which button or menu to click, having the cursor visible makes the instructions far clearer.

Using dedicated capture software

If your device's built-in tool doesn't support this by default, a dedicated screenshot program that supports cursor capture is a good alternative.

Show exactly where to click

When you're putting together a user manual or work guide, showing an arrow or hand-shaped cursor pointing at the button people need to click makes the material far easier to follow.

Know the basic screenshot method too

Setting a default save location for your screenshots ahead of time makes it much easier to keep your reference material organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I show the cursor when screen recording too?

Most screen recording tools include the cursor by default, so this is usually not something you need to configure separately.

Can I add a click-highlight effect too?

Some capture programs offer a circle or flash effect that appears at the moment of a click, making the exact click location even clearer.