AutoCAD

How to Change Cursor in AutoCAD?

Changing the Cursor in AutoCAD

To customize your cursor settings in AutoCAD, there are various methods available depending on the specific cursor adjustments you need. Below are step-by-step instructions to modify your cursor settings effectively.

Switching to Isometric Cursor

  1. Open the Drafting Settings: Navigate to the Tools menu and select "Drafting Settings."
  2. Access Snap Settings: In the resulting dialog box, go to the Snap and Grid tab.
  3. Select Isometric Snap: Under Snap Type, choose "Isometric Snap" from the available options.
  4. Apply the Change: Click the OK button to save your changes and activate isometric cursor functionality.

Restoring Crosshair Functionality

To address issues with the crosshairs not displaying correctly, follow these steps:

  1. Inspect the Ribbon: Click anywhere on the ribbon at the top of the AutoCAD window.
  2. View Controls: Move your mouse cursor over the Viewport Controls, typically located in the upper left corner of the drawing area.
  3. Change Visual Style: Switch between different visual styles to see if this resolves the issue.
  4. Toggle Between Tabs: Alternate between model and layout tabs to refresh the view.
  5. Minimize and Restore: Try minimizing AutoCAD and then restoring it, which can often reset visual glitches.
  6. Reopen the Drawing: Close and then reopen the drawing file to see if this corrects the crosshair display.
  7. Restart AutoCAD: If all else fails, exit the application entirely and relaunch it.

Changing Crosshair Color in AutoCAD 2025

To adjust the color of your cursor in AutoCAD 2025:

  1. Access Options Menu: Click on the AutoCAD logo or application button and select "Options."
  2. Navigate to Display Tab: In the Options dialog, click on the "Display" tab.
  3. Choose Crosshair Color: Locate the option for Crosshair color and click on it.
  4. Select Desired Color: Choose your preferred color from the list provided.
  5. Save Changes: Exit the Options dialog to apply the new color to your cursor.

Switching to a 2D Cursor

For those needing to alter their cursor for a 2D workspace:

  1. Adjust View Settings: Use the View Cube or View dropdown menu to switch your perspective to "Front View."
  2. Use FLATSHOT Command: Execute the FLATSHOT command after selecting your desired settings in the dialog box.
  3. Select Options and Create: Ensure all necessary options in the FLATSHOT dialogue are chosen and hit "Create." Your cursor will now align in 2D.

Changing to Standard Cursor from Isometric

To revert from the isometric settings to a standard cursor:

  1. Access Snap Settings: Click the SNAP button located in the status bar and select "Settings."
  2. Switch Snap Type: Change your Snap Type from “Isometric Snap” back to “Rectangular Snap.”
  3. Utilize Shortcut Commands: Alternatively, you can use the “SNAP” command, followed by selecting “Style,” and then choosing either “Standard” or “Isometric.”
  4. Toggle Views: Press F5 to switch between isometric views if necessary.

Cursor Color and Visual Adjustments

You can further customize the appearance of your cursor by adjusting various settings:

  1. Open Options: Right-click in an empty area of the drawing space, choose "Options" or navigate through the application button.
  2. Modify Pickbox Size: On the Selection tab, adjust the Pickbox Size slider for selection cursor modifications.
  3. Adjust Crosshair Size: On the Display tab, modify the Crosshair Size either by entering a specific number or moving the slider to your desired size.

FAQ

Why does my cursor appear red and green in AutoCAD?
The red dot appears when recording actions in AutoCAD, indicating that the application is capturing your steps. This functionality is helpful for creating a record of commands executed.

How do I ensure my snapping functions correctly?
Press F3 to toggle object snaps on and off. Confirm that object snap settings are enabled (check with the OSNAP command) and ensure all your drawing objects lie on the same plane, which can eliminate snapping issues.

What steps do I follow if my AutoCAD cursor is unresponsive?
If your cursor is not responding, close AutoCAD and restart the computer to reset any temporary glitches. Additionally, check for software updates or conflicts with other programs that may affect AutoCAD’s performance.

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.