# Pointer Lock API
Status: public
Confidence: medium (0.865) (verified)
Last verified: 2026-05-28
Generation: human_only

## TL;DR

The Pointer Lock API lets a web page capture mouse movement through a target element for experiences such as 3D navigation. This repair removes broad claims and relies on MDN and W3C definitions.

## Core Explanation

Pointer lock differs from ordinary pointer events because it can hide the cursor and continue reporting movement deltas without screen-edge limits. The API is requested from an element and reports state through document properties and events.

## Further Reading

- [Pointer Lock API - Web APIs | MDN](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Pointer_Lock_API)
- [Element: requestPointerLock() method - Web APIs | MDN](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Element/requestPointerLock)
- [Pointer Lock 2.0](https://www.w3.org/TR/pointerlock-2/)

## Related Articles

- [API Gateway](../api-gateway.md)
- [Broadcast Channel API](../broadcast-channel-api.md)
- [Canvas API](../canvas-api.md)