Limelight
What is a Cursor Loupe?
A cursor loupe is a magnifying lens that follows the mouse pointer, enlarging the screen area directly beneath it for closer inspection.
A cursor loupe is a small magnifying window anchored to the pointer. As the mouse moves, the loupe travels with it and shows an enlarged view of whatever lies underneath, much like a physical jeweler's loupe held over a surface. It is used to read tiny text, inspect pixels, or pick precise colors.
A cursor loupe differs from full-screen magnification, which scales the entire display, and from a cursor spotlight, which brightens or rings the pointer area without enlarging it. A loupe specifically zooms a localized patch around the cursor while the rest of the screen stays at normal size.
In design, accessibility, and demos, a loupe helps both presenters and viewers focus on small details. It is a magnification feature, which is distinct from what Limelight does. Limelight, on macOS, emphasizes the cursor with a spotlight (⌃⌥1) and offers keystroke display, drawing, a region spotlight, and on-screen text, but it does not magnify, zoom, or enlarge the screen.
Why Limelight
- ▸Shows an enlarged view of the screen area under the pointer
- ▸Moves with the mouse, like a physical magnifying loupe
- ▸Used for reading small text, inspecting pixels, and picking colors
- ▸Different from a cursor spotlight, which highlights but does not magnify
Cursor spotlight free · from $2.99/mo or $34 lifetime · macOS 14+
Or get Pro — from $2.99/mo · See how it works →
free to start, then go Pro from $2.99/mo or a $34 one-time lifetime license. macOS 14+, notarized by Apple.
FAQ
- Is a cursor loupe the same as a screen magnifier?
- A loupe is a localized magnifier that follows the pointer, while a full screen magnifier enlarges the entire display. Both increase size, but at different scope.
- Does Limelight include a cursor loupe?
- No. Limelight highlights the cursor with a spotlight but does not magnify or zoom. It records and enlarges nothing.