I-beam pointer

I-beam and I-cursor cursor picture and exampleAlternatively referred to as the I-cursor, the I-beam pointer is a mouse cursor shaped similar to the capital letter "I" that indicates that text can be highlighted, inserted, or changed. In the picture to the right, is an example of what an I-cursor may look like.

To select a word with the I-beam, double-click in the middle of any word and to select an entire line of text or paragraph click the button quickly three times. To select a portion of text, click at the beginning or end of the text and while holding down the mouse button drag left, right, up, or down.

Tip: See the Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know, for additional tips on how text can be selected using the keyboard and other useful tips.

Also see: Cursor, Insertion point, Mouse definitions, Text cursor