AutoCAD

How to Change Crosshair Size in AutoCAD?

Adjusting the Crosshair Size in AutoCAD

Crosshairs play a crucial role in navigation and precision when working in AutoCAD. If you find that your crosshair size is not optimizing your workflow, you can easily adjust its scale within the software. Here’s how to modify it step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Crosshair Size

1. Open the Command Line

Launch AutoCAD 2025 and ensure your drawing file is open. To make changes to the crosshair size, you must first access the command line. You can usually find it at the bottom of the interface.

2. Enter the Command for Point Type

Type DDPTYPE into the command line and hit Enter. This command opens the Point Style dialog box, where you can customize various settings related to the appearance of your crosshairs.

3. Select Point Style and Size

In the Point Style dialog box, you will see several options for point types. Choose one that suits your preference. For a more visible crosshair, you can also adjust the point size. Look for the field that allows you to set the size in Absolute units.

4. Confirm Changes

Once you have selected your preferred point style and size, click the OK button to apply the changes. Your crosshair size should now reflect your adjustments.

5. Refresh the Drawing

To ensure that your settings take effect, type REGEN into the command line and press Enter. This command regenerates the drawing and refreshes the display, allowing you to see the changes made.

Additional Customizations for Crosshairs

Changing Crosshair Color

If you wish to change the color of your crosshairs, follow these steps:

  1. Access the Options menu by typing OPTIONS into the command line, then press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the Display tab.
  3. Click on the Colors button, which will bring up settings for color customization.
  4. Select your desired color for the crosshairs and confirm by clicking OK.

Adjusting Visibility Settings

If your crosshairs are not visible, consider checking the visibility settings:

  1. Move the cursor to the Viewport Controls, located in the upper-left corner of the drawing area.
  2. Experiment with changing the visual style or switching between model and layout tabs.
  3. If issues persist, you may want to minimize and restore AutoCAD or completely close and reopen the program to reset the display.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do my crosshairs disappear in AutoCAD?
Disappearing crosshairs may result from changing visual styles or switching tabs. Check the viewport controls and try adjusting the visual style to restore visibility.

2. Can I customize my crosshair beyond size and color?
Yes, you can adjust the shape of your crosshairs through the Point Style settings, allowing you to select various shapes like dots or arrows depending on your preference.

3. What is the default crosshair size in AutoCAD?
The default crosshair size is typically set to a moderate width. Users often need to customize it according to their specific visual needs or workspace requirements.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.