Pointing Hand Gesture

Pointing means only the index finger is extended while the other fingers curl in. It is also how you show the number one.

Try it on cameraSee it animated

How to make the Pointing gesture

  1. Curl middle, ring and pinky
  2. Keep your index extended
  3. Point toward the camera

What it means

Pointing directs attention to something, and a single raised index finger means one or "wait a moment".

How the camera recognizes it

Only the index finger is extended. If the thumb and index tips touch, it reads as Pinch instead.

Effect: Laser

Laser fires a red beam from your fingertip in the direction it points, all the way to the edge of the screen, with a burst where it hits.

Tips for reliable detection

  • Keep the thumb resting on the middle finger.
  • Rotate your hand to sweep the laser around.
  • Point with both hands to cross two beams.

Animated variations

The in-app guide demonstrates the Pointing in 5 animations, including versions with both hands:

  • From fist
  • Count to one
  • Aim
  • Point with both
  • One and one

Related gestures