{"id":244295,"date":"2026-08-28T14:48:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T13:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/?p=244295"},"modified":"2026-08-25T14:49:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T13:49:50","slug":"customise-autocad-crosshair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/2026\/08\/customise-autocad-crosshair\/","title":{"rendered":"Customising The AutoCAD Crosshair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/04\/AutoCAD-2025-lockup-Blk-OL-ADSK-No-Year-1-line.svg” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”AutoCAD-2025-lockup-Blk-OL-ADSK-No-Year-1-line” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ align=”center”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Every <\/span>AutoCAD<\/a> user develops their own way of working. From custom tool palettes and shortcuts to personalised workspaces, tailoring your environment can help you work more efficiently.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

One area that’s often overlooked is the <\/span>AutoCAD crosshair<\/span><\/i>. While it may seem like a simple interface element, adjusting its size, colour and behaviour can improve visibility, make object selection easier and create a drawing experience that better suits your workflow.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re producing architectural layouts, engineering drawings or construction documentation, these settings can help make every day drafting more comfortable and efficient<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding=”6px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Adjust the Crosshair Size” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

One of the easiest customisations is changing the size of your crosshair.<\/p>\n

By default, AutoCAD displays a relatively small crosshair that covers around 5% of your screen. Some users prefer this, while others find a larger crosshair improves alignment, particularly when working on large-format drawings or detailed plans.<\/p>\n

To change the size:<\/p>\n

Options > Display > Crosshair Size<\/strong><\/p>\n

The value is entered as a percentage of the screen and can be adjusted between 1% and 100%.<\/p>\n

Using a larger crosshair can make it easier to maintain alignment across complex drawings without constantly zooming in and out.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Crosshairs_1.png” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Crosshairs_1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”40px||||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding=”4px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Make Object Selection Easier with the Pickbox” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

The small square in the centre of the crosshair is known as the Pickbox. This controls the area AutoCAD uses when selecting objects.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

If you regularly work with detailed models or densely populated drawings, increasing the Pickbox size can make selecting geometry much easier.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

You can adjust this by navigating to:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Options > Selection > Pickbox Size <\/strong><\/p>\n

The default setting is 3, with values available between 0 and 50.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Top Tip: Keep in mind that reducing the Pickbox to zero disables selection preview, making object selection less intuitive.<\/span><\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Crosshairs_2.png” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”90px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ title_text=”Crosshairs_2″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding=”4px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Fine-Tune Object Snap Detection with Aperture” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

While the Pickbox controls selection, the Aperture controls how AutoCAD detects Object Snaps (OSNAP).<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

This invisible detection area determines how close your cursor needs to be before AutoCAD recognises endpoints, midpoints, intersections and other snap locations.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

To modify the Aperture size:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Options > Drafting > Aperture Size <\/strong><\/p>\n

The default value is 10, with settings available between 1 and 50.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Top Tip: As a rule, if you increase your Pickbox size, it’s worth increasing the Aperture by a similar amount to maintain a consistent drafting experience.<\/span><\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Crosshairs_3.png” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” custom_padding=”109px||||false|false” title_text=”Crosshairs_3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding=”6px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Change the Crosshair Colour” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

If you spend long periods working in AutoCAD, improving visibility can help reduce eye strain.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

AutoCAD allows you to customise the colour of your crosshair independently from the drawing background, making it easier to distinguish while working.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

To change the colour:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Options > Display > Colours <\/strong><\/p>\n

From here, select Crosshairs and choose a colour that offers the best contrast for your workspace.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Many users keep the default setting, but changing the colour can be useful if you work with customised themes or different background colours.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Crosshairs_4.png” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Crosshairs_4″ custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Display or Hide Cursor Badges” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”-29px|||||”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Cursor badges are the small symbols that appear beside your cursor when using editing commands such as Erase, Move or Copy.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

These visual indicators provide feedback about the command currently in use.<\/span> <\/span>The setting isn’t available through the Options dialog but can be controlled using the CURSORBADGE<\/em> system variable.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

2 \u2013 Display cursor badges (default)<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

1 \u2013 Hide cursor badges<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Some users prefer a cleaner workspace, while others find the badges useful when learning AutoCAD or switching between commands.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Switch Between Crosshair and Windows Cursor” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”-25px|||||”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

AutoCAD also includes a lesser-known option that replaces the traditional drafting crosshair with the standard Windows mouse pointer.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

This is controlled using the <\/span>CURSORTYPE<\/span><\/i> system variable.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

For most users, the traditional crosshair provides better precision when drafting, so this setting is rarely changed. However, it’s available if your workflow requires it.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”2_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/tms-scotland.com\/autodesk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/Crosshairs_6.png” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Crosshairs_6″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”77px||||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding=”7px|||||”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” type=”3_5″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Rotate the Crosshair for Angled Drawing” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_level=”h2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

When producing drawings that aren’t aligned to the standard horizontal and vertical axes, rotating the crosshair can improve drafting accuracy.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>SNAPANG<\/span><\/i> system variable rotates the crosshair to a specified angle, allowing ORTHO mode to follow that orientation.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

This can be particularly useful when working on:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n