Weekly Computer Tip # 287
15 October 2009

Hide the arrow pointer during a slide show
(PowerPoint 2000-2007)

When you give (or watch) a PowerPoint presentation it can be extremely distracting to see the arrow pointer move across the - hopefully - carefully prepared slides. Although the pointer disappears if you don't move the mouse for three seconds, it pops up as soon as you (accidentally) touch it. So prevent Death by PowerPoint and hide the arrow pointer during your slide show.

Here's how:

1. Start the presentation as normal. (For me that means pressing F5.)
2. Press CTRL+H (for hide).

Now, even if you move the mouse, you won't see an annoying arrow. If, for some reason, you want it back, simply press CTRL+A.

By the way, if you want to find out more about my simple seven-step program to create professional PowerPoint presentations that will keep your audience through the length of your talk, then come along to the next half day "Boost PowerPoint beyond bullet points", scheduled for Tuesday 10 November. Places are just GBP79 per person (which is the same price as three years ago!) See beyond_bullet_points.html for further course details.

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