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CURSOR_FIX.md

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Stuck Cursor Fix (IBeam/Text Selection Mode)

Problem

Cursor shows as "I" (text selection beam) instead of normal pointer, and won't click on anything. The cursor moves but doesn't respond to clicks.

Quick Fix

xdotool key Escape

This sends an Escape key to cancel whatever is holding the cursor in text selection mode.

Full Troubleshooting Steps

1. Send Escape (First Try)

xdotool key Escape

2. Reset Cursor Appearance

xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr

3. Release Stuck Modifier Keys

xdotool keyup Super_L Alt_L Control_L Shift_L

4. Check What Has Focus

xdotool getactivewindow getwindowname

5. Restart Notification/Compositor Daemons

killall dunst 2>/dev/null; dunst &

6. Nuclear Option - Restart DWM

# Mod+Shift+Q (if configured)
# or
killall dwm

What Causes This

The IBeam cursor typically appears when:

  • st terminal is in text selection mode and something prevents it from exiting
  • A modifier key gets stuck (Shift, Alt, etc.)
  • Text selection was initiated but not properly cancelled
  • A notification or dialog box grabbed focus incorrectly

Prevention Strategies

1. Add Escape Keybinding in st

Modify st/config.h to ensure Escape always works:

{ ControlMask, XK_bracketleft, "\033", 0, 0},  // Ctrl+[ also sends Escape

2. Create Helper Script

Save as ~/bin/fix-cursor:

#!/bin/sh
xdotool key Escape
xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr
xdotool keyup Super_L Alt_L Control_L Shift_L

Make executable: chmod +x ~/bin/fix-cursor

Bind to a key in dwm/config.h:

{ MODKEY|ShiftMask, XK_c, spawn, SHCMD("fix-cursor") },

3. Terminal Configuration

In st, avoid accidental text selection mode by:

  • Being careful with middle-click (paste) operations
  • Not holding Shift while clicking
  • Using Escape regularly to clear selection states

4. Add to dwmblocks Status

Could add a visual indicator when in selection mode (advanced)

5. Automatic Timeout

Create a cron job or timer that periodically runs:

*/5 * * * * DISPLAY=:0 xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr

Quick Reference

Most Common Fix: Just press Escape key or run xdotool key Escape

See Also

  • st source: st/st.c (selection handling)
  • dwm keybindings: dwm/config.h
  • xdotool manual: man xdotool