Changing mouse cursor on Raspberry Pi OS (Debian Linux)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on modifying mouse cursors in Raspberry Pi OS (Debian Linux) using GIMP. Users edited cursor files named left_ptr and hand2 within the theme directories located at /usr/share/icons/[theme name]/cursor for the "Adwaita" and "DMZ-white" themes. Despite replacing the original files, the modified cursors did not appear until all layers of the cursor files were edited, as multiple layers can affect which cursor is displayed. The solution involved using the lxappearance tool to select the modified theme and ensuring all necessary cursor files were updated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Raspberry Pi OS and Debian Linux file structure
  • Basic knowledge of GIMP for image editing
  • Understanding of LXDE and the lxappearance tool
  • Awareness of cursor theme configurations in Linux
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to use lxappearance for theme management in LXDE
  • Learn about cursor file structures and layers in Linux
  • Explore advanced GIMP techniques for cursor design
  • Investigate caching mechanisms for cursor themes in Linux
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for Raspberry Pi users, Linux enthusiasts, graphic designers working with cursor themes, and anyone looking to customize their desktop environment for better visibility during screen captures.

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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