Changing mouse cursor on Raspberry Pi OS (Debian Linux)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modifying mouse cursor themes on Raspberry Pi OS, specifically focusing on the challenges faced when editing cursor files and ensuring the changes are reflected in the system. Participants explore the technical aspects of cursor file management and theme application within the LXDE environment.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant edited cursor files using GIMP but did not see the changes reflected after rebooting, raising questions about activation.
  • Another participant suggested using lxappearance to select the cursor theme, indicating it might be necessary to tweak settings for the changes to take effect.
  • A participant noted the possibility of not selecting the correct cursor files that provide the default arrow and hand cursors, indicating a need for further investigation.
  • One participant created a new theme folder and confirmed that the left_ptr file is indeed the default arrow file, but the design changes made in GIMP were not visible.
  • Another participant commented on the complexity of configuration files, suggesting that the issue might involve cached or nested settings.
  • A later reply revealed that multiple layers exist within the cursor file, and editing all layers is necessary for the changes to work, which ultimately resolved the issue for that participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of experiences and solutions, with some agreeing on the necessity of using lxappearance, while others highlight the complexity of cursor file management. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for ensuring cursor modifications are applied consistently.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential for cached configurations and the need to edit multiple layers of cursor files, indicating that there may be limitations in understanding how the system prioritizes cursor files.

Who May Find This Useful

Users interested in customizing their desktop environment on Raspberry Pi OS, particularly those working with LXDE and cursor themes.

Swamp Thing
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I used GIMP to edit copies of certain cursor files called left_ptr and hand2 from the "cursors" folders within the theme directories /usr/share/icons/[theme name]/cursor. This was for the themes "Adwaita" and "DMZ-white".

Then I renamed the original cursor files and put the new edited versions in their place. When I switch to the modified cursor themes, I don't see the modified cursors -- even after a reboot. Why does this happen, and how can I activate the GIMP-edited cursor files?
 
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Is this LXDE? You probably need to run lxappearance from a command prompt and tweak the settings.
 
pbuk said:
Is this LXDE? You probably need to run lxappearance from a command prompt and tweak the settings.
That is how i select a cursor theme. But after selecting a theme containing a modified cursor file, i don't see the new cursor.

One possibility is that, of the large number of cursor files present in the folder, i haven't chosen the ones that actually provide the default arrow and hand cursors. If that's the case I'll have to determine which file provides the default arrow.
 
I just created a new theme folder called test, with a folder inside called cursors. Then I copied into it a single file (left_ptr) from the dmz_white theme. When I select the test cursor theme in lxappearance, I see that it takes the default pointer from that single file, and it inherits all the other cursors (hand, move, etc) from the theme that was in effect just before switching to test.

So that proves that left_ptr is indeed the default arrow file. But it doesn't reflect the design change done on it using GIMP.

Going to burrow further into this (rather pointless, actually) rabbit hole... Well not entirely pointless because I want a prominent cursor for capturing desktop video.
 
Swamp Thing said:
Going to burrow further into this (rather pointless, actually) rabbit hole... Well not entirely pointless because I want a prominent cursor for capturing desktop video.
Good luck, it sounds like a maze of cached/nested/recursive configuration files.
 
Turns out the cursor file has multiple layers. You need to edit all of them, because you don't know which layer will be used when. So now it's working!
Screenshot:

1660057151199.png

 
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Likes   Reactions: jedishrfu and pbuk
When I read your last post, I thought the blue sqiggly arrow was the one you modded.
 

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