AutoCAD

How to Resize Cursor in AutoCAD?

Understanding Cursor Resizing in AutoCAD

Modifying the size of your cursor in AutoCAD is essential for improving your drawing precision and visibility. AutoCAD offers various settings to help you customize your cursor appearance, primarily through the crosshair size and pickbox dimensions. Follow the instructions below to effectively resize your cursor.

Navigating to Options

Begin by accessing the Options menu. This can be performed in two distinct ways:

  1. Right-click on an empty area within the drawing workspace and select Options from the context menu.
  2. Alternatively, click the Application Menu button (the large ‘A’ in the top-left corner) and navigate to Options.

Adjusting the Crosshair Size

Once you have opened the Options dialog, follow these steps to modify the crosshair size:

  1. Navigate to the Display tab within the Options dialog.
  2. Locate the section labeled Crosshair Size. Here, you will see a slider that allows you to change the size of the cursor.
  3. Adjust the slider to increase or decrease the crosshair size as desired.
  4. After making your selection, click OK to confirm and exit the Options menu.

Modifying Pickbox Size

For users who may be interested in changing the dimensions of the pickbox (the small square or circle that indicates where clicks will register), follow these steps:

  1. While still in the Options dialog, switch to the Selection tab.
  2. Here, you will find a section labeled Pickbox Size. This setting allows you to increase or decrease the clickable area.
  3. Adjust the slider or input a number directly to set the pickbox size to your preferences.
  4. Confirm your changes by clicking OK.

Refreshing the Drawing Environment

After making your adjustments, it might be beneficial to refresh the AutoCAD environment to ensure all settings are properly applied. This can be done by:

  1. Minimizing AutoCAD and then restoring it to the foreground.
  2. Or, simply closing and reopening your current drawing file.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between crosshair size and pickbox size?

The crosshair size defines how large the primary drawing cursor appears on the screen, while the pickbox size determines the sensitivity and the clickable area around the cursor, affecting selection accuracy.

2. Can I further customize my cursor beyond just size in AutoCAD?

Yes, additional customization can be achieved through the Drafting Settings and User Coordinate System (UCS) settings, allowing you to tailor your workspace further.

3. Why might my cursor still appear too small or too large even after adjustments?

If the cursor’s size does not seem to change after adjustments, it may be beneficial to check the display settings of your monitor, adjust DPI settings, or reset AutoCAD’s user preferences.

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.