AutoCAD

How to Change Cursor in AutoCAD 2017?

Methods for Changing the Cursor in AutoCAD 2017

Changing the cursor in AutoCAD can enhance your drawing experience by allowing you to customize it according to your needs. This guide outlines several ways to modify your cursor settings in AutoCAD 2017.

Adjusting Cursor Color

  1. Access the Options Dialog:

    • Type OPTIONS in the command line and press Enter.
    • Navigate to the Drafting tab within the dialog that appears.
  2. Change Colors:

    • Within the AutoSnap Settings category, look for the COLORS button.
    • In the upcoming window, you can adjust colors by selecting Command Line from the Context box and Active Prompt Text from the Interface Element box. Choose your preferred color and click OK.

Switching to Isometric Cursor

  1. Open Drafting Settings:

    • Go to the Tools menu and select Drafting Settings.
    • In the Drafting Settings window, switch to the Snap and Grid tab.
  2. Select Isometric Snap:

    • Under the Snap Type section, choose Isometric Snap to enable the isometric cursor.
    • Confirm your change by clicking OK.

Modifying Mouse Settings

  1. Access the Options Menu:

    • Click on the Raster menu and select Options.
    • This will open the Raster Design Options dialog.
  2. Choose Mouse Preferences:

    • Go to the User Preferences tab and find the Mouse Settings section.
    • Here, you can enable Shift + Left Click to select images, if desired. Confirm changes by clicking OK.

Changing to 2D Cursor Mode

  1. Views and Commands:

    • Switch your view to the Front via the View Cube or dropdown menu.
    • Enter the FLATSHOT command to initiate the process.
  2. Finalize 2D Drawing:

    • Ensure all options in the Flatshot dialog box match your previous settings from the Top view, then click Create. Your cursor will follow the 2D drawing of the Front view.

Returning to the Standard Cursor

  1. Open the Options Panel:

    • Right-click anywhere in the drawing area and choose Options or access it through the Application button.
  2. Adjust Pickbox Size:

    • Navigate to the Selection tab. Adjust the Pickbox Size slider to your liking.
  3. Modify Crosshair Size:

    • Switch to the Display tab and enter your desired number for the Crosshair Size or adjust with the slider.

Troubleshooting Cursor Issues

  1. Check Auto-wrap Settings:

    • Disable status bar auto-wrap if active.
  2. Grid Snap Status:

    • Ensure that Grid Snap is turned off.
  3. Verify Input Device:

    • Confirm that your mouse or input device is functioning properly.
  4. Graphics Performance:

    • Consider improving graphics performance by adjusting settings or updating drivers.
  5. Update Software:

    • Ensure that AutoCAD and your graphics card have the latest updates installed.

Changing Mouse Button Functions

  1. Access Mouse Customization:

    • Go to the Customize tab and expand the Mouse Buttons section.
  2. Add or Modify Buttons:

    • Right-click on a mouse button section and opt for New Button to create or modify mouse button functions.

FAQs

How can I change the cursor to a different shape?
You can change your cursor shape by adjusting the Snap Type settings or using specific commands to toggle between different cursor types.

Is it possible to change the color of the crosshairs in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can change the color of the crosshairs by adjusting the settings in the Options dialog and selecting your desired colors.

Why does my cursor change colors during operation?
The cursor color changes may indicate different modes or functionalities, such as recording actions, or can be a visual aid showing various snap points.

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.