Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about MouseMat. Learn how it works.
Does MouseMat need special permissions?
Only the macOS Accessibility permission is needed, which is prompted on first launch. MouseMat uses a CGEvent tap to intercept clicks at the system level, which requires Accessibility access.
Why does macOS block MouseMat from opening?
MouseMat is distributed outside the Mac App Store, so macOS Gatekeeper will block it on first launch. On macOS 15 (Sequoia) and later, you'll see a dialog saying Apple could not verify the app — click Done, then go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down to the Security section, and click Open Anyway next to the MouseMat message. On older macOS versions, right-click (or Ctrl+click) the app in Applications and choose Open. Either way, this is only needed once; after that it opens normally.
Will it block my keyboard shortcuts or modifier clicks?
Never. Clicks with any modifier key held down (Cmd, Shift, Ctrl, Option) always pass through. This means Cmd+click on links, Ctrl+click context menus, and Cmd+Shift+4 screenshots all work perfectly.
How do I temporarily disable it?
Click the MouseMat icon in the menu bar and choose Snooze. You can pick 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes, or 1 hour. The remaining time is shown in the menu, and you can cancel the snooze at any time.
What happens when I type, scroll, or use gestures?
The mat dismisses instantly. Typing, scrolling, dragging, trackpad gestures (pinch, rotate, swipe, force touch), desktop space changes, and screen sleep all cause the mat to disappear. It only reappears after the cursor goes idle again.
Does it work with apps that hide the cursor?
Yes. MouseMat respects all apps. If any app hides the cursor (such as during YouTube playback, presentations, or when typing in text fields), the mat stays hidden until the cursor reappears and goes idle again.
Does it work on Intel Macs?
Yes. MouseMat ships as a universal binary supporting both Intel and Apple Silicon. It requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later.
Does it show up in my Dock?
No. MouseMat is a menu bar app only. There is no Dock icon and no visible windows (except the Settings panel when you open it). It stays completely out of your way.
Can I customize the mat size and idle time?
Yes. Open Settings from the menu bar icon. You can adjust the idle timeout from 1 to 10 seconds (default 3s) and the mat zone size from 40 to 200 pixels (default 80px). Both are controlled with simple sliders.
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