For Ubuntu 20.04+ and other Linux with GNOME desktop (e.g., Fedora workstation, Debian and Arch Linux), there’s an extension lets you quickly locate mouse pointer.
The extension is called “Jiggle“. It highlights the mouse pointer position when it moved rapidly by applying 3 cool animation effects: Cursor Scaling, Spotlight, and Fireworks.
Cursor Scaling animation. Original pointer can be turned off
Fireworks effect
spotlight animation
User may choose one of the three effects to function. And each has options to configure the shake threshold, speed, and other settings.
Choose effect & change the “Shake Threshold”, etc.
Install Jiggle extension:
The extension at the moments supports for Gnome 3.36, 3.38 and 40. Though it works on GNOME 41 as reported.
1. Install Gnome Extensions App:
Before installing the extension, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run command to install the ‘chrome-gnome-shell’ and ‘gnome-shell-extensions-prefs’ packages:
sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell gnome-shell-extensions-prefs
The first package is required for installing Gnome Extensions from web browser in Ubuntu based system. The latter installs the app for managing extensions.
2. Install Jiggle:
Next, go to the extension web page via your web browser. And then turn on the toggle icon to install it:
https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/3438/jiggle/
If you don’t see the slider icon, install the browser add-on and refresh the page.
After installed the extension, search for and open ‘Gnome Extensions‘ from Activities overview screen.
Manage Gnome Extensions
Finally, open settings for ‘Jiggle’ and apply your favorite animation and enjoy!
