---
title: "Per-object pointer handlers: API"
package: "@phaser-ae/pointer"
tier: Free
version: 3.0.0-3
released: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-19
description: "Gives any object over, out, down, up, tap and drag handlers, with the capture rule that keeps a drag alive after the pointer leaves the object."
url: https://phaser.io/packs/pointer/api
site: Phaser - https://phaser.io
---

# Per-object pointer handlers: API

`@phaser-ae/pointer` — over, out, down, up, tap and drag on the objects that want them — with the capture rule that makes a drag survive leaving the object.

## The pack

### `pointer`

```ts
function pointer(): Pack<{ pointer: PointerApi }, {}, { pointer: PointerData }, { pointer?: PointerSpec }>
```

The `pointer` pack: per-object pointer handlers over the kernel's pointer list and the roster's picking.
Headless-safe — with no pointers it simply does nothing.

## Types

### `PointerApi`

```ts
interface PointerApi
```

`game.pointer`.

- `over(id?: number): Handle | null` — The object under a pointer right now, or null. `id` picks a specific pointer; the default is the first.
- `captured(id?: number): Handle | null` — The object a press captured, or null.
- `release(id?: number): void` — Drop a capture without a release — a scene change, an object killed mid-drag.
- `readonly count: number` — How many objects carry handlers.
- `add(h: Handle, spec: PointerSpec): void` — Give an object handlers after it has spawned. The spawn spec's `pointer` key is the usual way; this is for an object a PACK spawned — a text, a widget — and for switching a plain object on later.
- `remove(h: Handle): void` — Take an object's handlers away. It stops being picked at all.

### `PointerAttach`

```ts
interface PointerAttach
```

What the pack puts in the registry under `('pointer', 'pointer')`, so another PACK can make the objects it spawns interactive without importing this one.

- `name: string` — The registry name: `'pointer'`.
- `add(h: Handle, spec: PointerSpec): void` — Give an object handlers (or replace the ones it has).
- `remove(h: Handle): void` — Take its handlers away.

### `PointerData`

```ts
interface PointerData extends PointerSpec
```

Per-object state the pack keeps.

- `over: boolean` — True while a pointer is over this object. Read it for a hover look.
- `held: boolean` — True while this object holds a press.

### `PointerEvent2d`

```ts
interface PointerEvent2d
```

What a pointer carries into a handler.

- `target: Handle` — The object the event is about.
- `x: number` — World x of the pointer.
- `y: number` — World y of the pointer.
- `dx: number` — Movement since the last step, world units.
- `dy: number` — Movement since the last step, world units.
- `startX: number` — Where the press began, world units.
- `startY: number` — Where the press began, world units.
- `id: number` — The pointer's id, so a multi-touch game can tell two fingers apart.
- `button: number` — Which button: 0 left, 1 middle, 2 right.
- `kind: 'mouse' | 'touch' | 'pen'` — Mouse, touch or pen.

### `PointerSpec`

```ts
interface PointerSpec
```

The handlers an object may carry. Assign any of them; all are optional and all are live.

- `onOver?: (e: PointerEvent2d) => void` — A pointer entered this object.
- `onOut?: (e: PointerEvent2d) => void` — A pointer left it.
- `onDown?: (e: PointerEvent2d) => void` — A press landed on it — and CAPTURED it until the release.
- `onUp?: (e: PointerEvent2d) => void` — The captured press was released, wherever the pointer had got to.
- `onTap?: (e: PointerEvent2d) => void` — Released ON this object, without having moved far: a click.
- `onDrag?: (e: PointerEvent2d) => void` — Moved while captured — every step, whether or not the pointer is still over the object.
- `dragThreshold?: number` — Distance from the press before dragging starts, world units. Default 0. Once started, dragging continues until release.
- `tapSlop?: number` — How far a press may move and still count as a tap, world units. Default 6.
- `enabled?: boolean` — Take part at all. Default true — set false to switch an object off without removing its handlers.

---

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