// GUIDE · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
How to use a laser pointer on your Mac while presenting
In PowerPoint for Mac press ⌘L during Slide Show. In Google Slides press L while presenting. Keynote's laser pointer comes from an iPhone or iPad remote. To point in any app, not just slides, use a highlighted cursor from an app like Overlaid.
A laser pointer is the simplest presenting tool there is, and every slide app does it differently.
Here's the shortcut for each, and what to use when you're not in slides at all.
METHOD 01
PowerPoint for Mac
Free with PowerPoint
A red laser dot during Slide Show.
- 1Start the Slide Show.
- 2Press ⌘L.
GOOD
- +One shortcut
NOT SO GOOD
- −Slide Show only
METHOD 02
Google Slides
Free
A red dot that follows your mouse while presenting.
- 1Start the slideshow.
- 2Press L.
GOOD
- +One key
NOT SO GOOD
- −Slideshow only
METHOD 03
Keynote
Free, needs a remote device
The laser pointer lives in Keynote Remote on iPhone or iPad, or Apple Pencil when your iPad is a second display.
- 1Set up Keynote Remote.
- 2During the slideshow, tap the laser pointer and move your finger.
GOOD
- +Natural to use
NOT SO GOOD
- −Needs a second device
METHOD 04THAT'S US
Overlaid, in any app
$11.99 once, 7-day free trial
A highlighted cursor that glows like a laser dot, plus spotlight and trail if you want more. It works everywhere: slides, demos, spreadsheets, code.
- 1Press ⌃⌥C until you reach Highlight cursor, the red halo that works like a laser pointer.
- 2Keep pressing ⌃⌥C for spotlight or trail instead.
- 3Press Esc to go back to a normal cursor.
GOOD
- +Works outside slides
- +A halo is easier to follow than a small dot on a video call
NOT SO GOOD
- −Paid after the trial
// WORTH KNOWING
THREE TIPS.
Move slowly
A laser pointer that darts around is worse than none. Point, pause, talk.
A halo on calls
On a compressed video call a glowing halo reads far better than a tiny red dot.
Don't point at everything
Save it for the one thing on the slide that matters.
// FAQ
QUICK QUESTIONS.
⌘L in PowerPoint's Slide Show, L in Google Slides. Keynote's comes from an iPhone or iPad remote.
Not with PowerPoint's. A cursor spotlight or halo app works over any app.
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