In the computer user interface, the cursor is an indicator that displays the current location of user interaction on a computer monitor or other display device, which will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. Since the use of the mouse cursor is similar to that of a pointing bar, it is also called a pointer.

Pointers are usually displayed as angled arrows (angled arrows, because historically they have improved the appearance of low resolution screens), but in different programs or operating systems, pointers may differ. The pointer is used when the input method or pointing device is a device that can move smoothly on the screen and select or highlight objects on the screen. In a GUI where the input method relies on hard keys (for example, five way keys on many mobile phones), instead of using pointers, the GUI relies on a clear focus state.