Quick guide
Head Pointer on Mac
Move the pointer with your head. Click with a facial expression.
Head Pointer is built into macOS. It uses the camera to move the pointer as you move your head, and facial expressions to click. Trying it shows you how your site works for people who do not use their hands to control a mouse.
Set up Head Pointer
- Go to System Settings → Accessibility → Pointer Control and turn on Head pointer.
- In Head pointer options, set Pointer moves to “When facing screen edges,” Pointer speed to 70, and Distance to edge to 15.
- Go to Accessibility → Keyboard and turn on Accessibility Keyboard, so you can type.
- In Pointer Control, turn on Alternate pointer actions and assign a facial expression to each action. Suggested expressions are below.
Head pointer actions
These only work after you turn on Alternate pointer actions and assign each one in Pointer Control (step 4). These are suggestions, so you can pick other expressions.
| Action | Suggested facial expression |
|---|---|
| Left click | Raise your eyebrows. |
| Drag and drop | Stick out your tongue to grab, then move your head to move what you're selecting in that direction. |
| Scroll | Point at the scroll bar, stick out your tongue, move your head, then stick out your tongue again. |
| Recalibrate | Smile. |
What to look for
- Are buttons and links big enough to hit easily?
- Does anything need precise dragging, with no simpler way to do it?
- Do menus that open on hover stay open long enough to use?
Next step: full manual testing
This guide shows the process: what to check, in what order.
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