...in all apps and the OS itself. In dark mode I have a thin blinking red line in Safari, a thin blinking white line in Word, a thin blinking black line here, and various random variations elsewhere.
Is there any system-wide setting available?
MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 15.5
The pointer you’re talking about is called the I-beam, and unfortunately there’s no system-wide setting to adjust it.
Pointers in macOS - Apple Support
Seems like something Apple could/should implement in Accessibility.
The pointer you’re talking about is called the I-beam, and unfortunately there’s no system-wide setting to adjust it.
Pointers in macOS - Apple Support
Seems like something Apple could/should implement in Accessibility.
Got it. However, the same applies – it's a UI element that the user cannot currently adjust, and only Apple can change that.
There is a setting in System Settings > Accessibility > Hover Text called Hover Typing that will 'magnify' the line of text you're working on. Not really what you're looking for but maybe worth a loot.
I m not talking about the pointer (or the cursor, the arrowhead, the I-beam, or any other of the myriad forms it can take, and which don't blink), I am talking about the thin vertical line that is in the text identifying where any new text is to be inserted or changes in formatting are to be made. I don't know any formal name for it...clearly "text-insertion-line" was not a precise communication. Right now on my setup, it is a thin blinking red line in Safari, a thin blinking white line in Word, a thin blinking black line here, and various random variations elsewhere.
And yes, being able to make that line easier to see would be a good Accessibility feature to add.
Let's look at this again, OK?
Thanks,
Alexander
As a work-a-round
you can change the resolution of your screen If you having an issue seeing the insertion point...
The current stable release of Sequoia including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 15.6
Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support
Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support
alexander.carpenter wrote:
Right now on my setup, it is a thin blinking red line in Safari, a thin blinking white line in Word, a thin blinking black line here, and various random variations elsewhere.
And yes, being able to make that line easier to see would be a good Accessibility feature to add.
Let's look at this again, OK?
Thanks,
Alexander
Have never seen this before but may things I have not seen
Seems there may have been some Alternations / Modifications or Adjustments to the normal black" thin vertical line that is in the text identifying where any new text is to be inserted or changes in formatting are to be made "
To avoid a session of Q&A, Q&A and Q&A
Download the Application Etrecheck ( External Link ) directly from the Developer.
This is a Diagnostic Tool that makes no changes to the computer.
It makes a coherent and readable inventory of both the Hardware and Software used on the computer
The application is free or paid for added features.
The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information.
Post back the Full Report - Share Report >> Copy , then paste >>>> using the Additional Text Icon <<<<
Thank you for the report
I am away from my computer right now
So I will get back to later
Should one of my colleagues have look at the report, I will follow-up with you later with my take on matters ( if needed )
Q - System modifications - There are a large number of system modifications running in the background.
A - Any time there are large modification to the operating system. Either by the users specific actions and / or installations of third party software that alters the OS, things to happen and not always good things
Q - MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Battery: Health = Normal - Cycle count = 5
A - It appears there has been a battery replacement - right ?
Q - Intel UHD Graphics 630 - VRAM: 1536 MB
Radeon Pro 555X - VRAM: 4 GB
Color LCD (built-in) 2880 x 1800
Q - LG HDR 4K 4608 x 2592
A - Regarding the LG HDR 4K with a resolution 4608 x 2592. I am out of my depths as to whether this comes into play with the Insertion Point issue. Perhaps one of the other contributors has a comment to add
Apple does list Supported scaled resolutions:
Q - Antivirus software: Malwarebytes
A - Ok to have it, just not running all the time
Q - Unsigned Files:
Launchd: /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.barebones.authd.plist
Details: Exact match found in the legitimate list - probably OK
A - BBEdit Application - right ?
A - Is this the current version 15.5.2 as I ask because there is no additional information anywhere in the report - from what I can see
A - Is there something from BBEdit carrying over to other applications causing the Insertion Point issue
Q - [Loaded] com.google.GoogleUpdater.wake.system.plist (Google LLC - installed 2025-07-20)
Command: /Library/Application Support/Google/GoogleUpdater/Current/GoogleUpdater.app/Contents/MacOS/GoogleUpdater --wake-all --enable-logging --vmodule=*/components/update_client/*=2,*/chrome/enterprise_companion/*=2,*/chrome/updater/*=2 --system
com.google.keystone.daemon.plist (Not signed - installed 2023-12-06)
A - Popular Web Browser is Goolag Chrome
A- Short and unpopular suggestion for some
May consider an alternative www.brrave.com which is essentially Google Chrome without the Google baggage
Refer to the Posting by Respected Contributor @ John Galt
Application memory error on my MacBook Pro - Apple Community
Refer to the Posting by Respected Contributor @ Kurt Lang
etrecheck... Mac running slow - Apple Community
EDITED - me
Thanks for sharing your superior-to-my perspective.
And yes, the MBP does have a new battery. The old one ran too hot and was swollen.
I am using the external LG monitor as a clear extended-display workspace at 2304x1296 res, for legibility purposes, and the internal display at 1440x900 in main-display mode as the management-center, with all menus, desktop items, dock, finder and system windows, and temporary items. This is a new UI approach for me, coming into this MBP as a hand-me-down from my wife, and using an old backup monitor (the LG). The apps have adapted well to this, and (mostly) open windows on the LG. If I drag a small window from the internal to the external, it will often automatically enlarge. The insertion-point issue is the same everywhere and at whatever res I use.
I have Malwarebytes in free mode, so it is only active when I tell it to scan.
I have upgraded to the BBEdit 15.5.2 and find no change in the insertion-point issue.
I agree with you about Chrome. I use it only for my online banking because my bank (BNCR) here in Costa Rica has designed their website around it, and my default browser (Safari) does not work with their site. I will try Brave and see if it will work with BNCR.
My intuited sense of this insertion-point issue is that it is happening at the OS level, since so many apps are affected. There should be some central specification for that insertion-point, accessed through Accessibility.
I just need it to be wider and more colorful so I can see it better.
I suspect that this core problem is made worse by all the dissonances around the evolving dark-mode integration within the OS and with apps.
I reckon this is still an open question, even if some aspects have been clarified...
Thanks again to all.
alexander.carpenter wrote:
I just need it to be wider and more colorful so I can see it better.
I reckon this is still an open question, even if some aspects have been clarified...
To be proactive you can submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple
Here it is... I am a bit bewildered, as this is beyond my current technical skill-level. Nonetheless, here it is.
Good idea. Done...
How can I make the text-insertion-line wider and more colorful in MacOS?
