Reference number: CH001083

When and who invented the first computer mouse?

Question:

When and who invented the first computer mouse?

Answer:

The computer mouse as we know it today was invented and developed by Douglas Englebart during the 60's and was patented on November 17, 1970. While creating the mouse Douglas was working at the Stanford Research Institute, a think tank sponsored by Stanford University and originally referred to the mouse as a "X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System." This mouse was first used with the Xerox Alto computer system in 1973. However, because of its lack of success the first widely used mouse is credited to being the mouse found on the Apple Lisa computer. Today, the mouse is now found and used on every computer.

The above picture taken by Maracin Wichary at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is an example of what the first computer mouse looked liked. As can be seen by the picture the mouse was much larger than today's mouse, square, and had a small button in the top right corner.

Additional information:

• See our mouse definition for additional information about each of these commands.