29.17 Pointer Shapes

These variables specify which shape to use for the mouse pointer in various situations, when using the X Window System:

x-pointer-shape

This variable specifies the pointer shape to use ordinarily in the Emacs frame.

x-sensitive-text-pointer-shape

This variable specifies the pointer shape to use when the mouse is over mouse-sensitive text.

These variables affect newly created frames. They do not normally affect existing frames; however, if you set the mouse color of a frame, that also updates its pointer shapes based on the current values of these variables. See Window Frame Parameters.

The values you can use, to specify either of these pointer shapes, are defined in the file lisp/term/x-win.el. Use M-x apropos <RET> x-pointer <RET> to see a list of them.