ArchiCAD Intelligent Cursor

When using ArchiCAD, the intelligent cursor takes on various shapes in different locations and situations in the project. This tip describes each icon and when it would appear.

Arrow: empty area on the Worksheet (Arrow Tool)

Crosshair: empty area on the Worksheet

Quick Selection using Arrow tool: appears whenever you move the cursor onto a quick-selectable item

Arrow with Heavy Checkmark: snapping to nodes on Reference Lines of walls

Arrow with Light Checkmark: snapping to nodes other than the ones on Reference Lines

Heavy Checkmark: snapping to nodes on Reference Lines of walls and reference axes of beams

Light Checkmark: snapping at any other hotspot of any element.

Arrow with Heavy Mercedes: snapping to Reference Lines

Arrow with Light Mercedes: snapping to edges other than Reference Lines

Heavy Mercedes: snapping to Reference Lines

Light Mercedes: snapping to edges other than Reference Lines

Arrow with Intersection: snapping to an intersection of edges

Intersection: snapping at an intersection of edges

Arrow with Perpendicular sign: snapping perpendicularly to an edge or arc while dragging an element

Arrow with Tangent sign: snapping tangentially to an arc while dragging an element

Cloud: indicates empty space over the horizon in perspective views

Cursors Used Only while Drafting and Editing:

White/Empty pencil: in an empty space or over any element where there is no hotspot or edge

Striped pencil: snapping to edges

Striped pencil with black top: snapping to Reference Lines and reference axes

Filled pencil: snapping to nodes on Reference Lines and reference axes

Filled pencil with white top: snapping to any other node or hotspot

Pencil point with intersection: snapping at an intersection of edges

Pencil point with perpendicular sign: snapping at a perpendicular edge

Pencil point with tangent sign: snapping at a tangential edge

Scissors: trims elements hold down the Ctrl/Command key while clicking on an element 

White Scissors: indicates empty space or on node. Not positioned properly to trim

Black Scissors: appear on top of element edges. Click to trim the element

Magic Wand on Empty space: used for tracing the contours of existing elements for creating new elements with the active tool

Magic Wand on the identifying node: uses the active tool to trace an edge

Magic Wand on the identifying edge: uses the active tool to trace an edge

Empty Eyedropper/Syringe: empty area in the workspace when transferring element settings

Empty Eyedropper/Syringe with stripe: snapping to edges when transferring element settings

Half filled Eyedropper/Syringe: snapping to hotspots and general nodes when transferring element settings

Full Eyedropper/Syringe: snapping to nodes on Reference Lines and reference axes when transferring Element settings

Eyeball: defines the direction of

Roof: Once the pivot line drawn, click to indicate upward slope of roof
Section/Elevation: click to define the direction of section or elevation and depth of view
Doors: click to define hinge side and swing direction
Windows: Click to define exterior sideAfter Splitting
Elements: Click on one side of the split to indicate which elements will remain selected

Double Eyeball: locates position of edge-placed Door/Window

Hammer: places Dimension chains, Angular Dimensions, the Elevation Dimension array, Zone Stamps and Fill areas; it also appears when closing polygons

Trident: Moves marquee area or the Clipboard contents after pasting

Plus: when dragging, rotating or mirroring a copy of an element

Double-Plus: when dragging or rotating multiple copies of an element.

Fill Handle: prompts you to draw a vector orientation after a fill is placed.