How do I change the crosshairs color in the block editor?

[tuttle425]

Hello,

I changed the background color of the block editor to match the regular model space background color.  However, the crosshairs are black so it's close to black on black.  How do I change the color of the crosshairs?  FYI, I am using Autocad LT for Mac.

Thanks

[rkmcswain]

If only you weren't using "LT", this might work for you.

I don't see another way in the Mac version, at least by looking at the documentation.

Perhaps @maxim_k might know.

[maxim_k]

Hi Tim,

For AutoCAD LT you can change Block Editor crosshairs color by editing AutoCAD LT preferences file or with Terminal commands.
What AutoCAD LT for Mac version are you using?
I suspect it is 2021, but I have to be sure of that. It is necessary for the proper preparation of the command for the Terminal.

Please specify also what color you need for crosshairs in Block Editor.

[tuttle425]

Yeah, 2021 for Mac.  I want it to be the same as model space.  White I suspect?

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Hi Tim,

You need to quit AutoCAD LT before executing the following commands in Terminal.app.

So, quit AutoCAD, launch Terminal.app and execute this command:

defaults write ~/Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD\ LT\ 2021\ Standalone/R24.0/local/HKCU_V1.plist "HKEY_CURRENT_USER.SOFTWARE.AUTODESK.AUTOCAD LT.PROFILES.<<UNNAMED PROFILE>>.DRAWING WINDOW.BEDIT XHAIR COLOR" -int 16777215

You can copy - paste the string above.

Launch AutoCAD and test crosshairs color in Block Editor.

To return back to default color use the following Terminal command:

defaults write ~/Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD\ LT\ 2021\ Standalone/R24.0/local/HKCU_V1.plist "HKEY_CURRENT_USER.SOFTWARE.AUTODESK.AUTOCAD LT.PROFILES.<<UNNAMED PROFILE>>.DRAWING WINDOW.BEDIT XHAIR COLOR" -int 0

[rkmcswain]

Thanks @maxim_k - looks fairly complex compared to just having this setting in the GUI.

[tuttle425]

That did it.  Thanks!

[tuttle425]

It's not complex.  It's just a few clicks.

[rafka009]

What I need to do, to change color of Crosshairs in Block Editor in Autocad 2023 and 2024 for Mac?

Or what I need to type in Terminal to done it? 

[maxim_k]

Hi @rafka009 ,

If you have full AutoCAD version, you can use AutoLISP statement to change crosshair color in Block Editor.

For example to set crosshair color to red, you need to type at the command prompt:

(setenv "BEdit Xhair color" "255")

and hit Return.

To set the default value - use this:

(setenv "BEdit Xhair color" "0")

[rafka009]

Thank you but I use LT versions of Autocad..

Can you help me with those also?

[maxim_k]

@rafka009 ,

---

@rafka009 wrote:

Thank you but I use LT versions of Autocad..

Can you help me with those also?

---

Yes, you can use my instructions from >>>>this<<<< post, just substitute AutoCAD\ LT\ 2021\ Standalone/R24.0 with

AutoCAD\ LT\ 2023\ Standalone/R24.2 - for AC LT 2023

or

AutoCAD\ LT\ 2024\ Standalone/R24.3 - for AC LT 2024

So for 2024 version it should look:

defaults write ~/Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD\ LT\ 2024\ Standalone/R24.3/local/HKCU_V1.plist "HKEY_CURRENT_USER.SOFTWARE.AUTODESK.AUTOCAD LT.PROFILES.<<UNNAMED PROFILE>>.DRAWING WINDOW.BEDIT XHAIR COLOR" -int 16777215

[rafka009]

Thank you, but still black crosshairs in block editor.. 

[maxim_k]

@rafka009 ,

Give me some time, I need to check my instructions in AC LT installation.

I can check with AutoCAD LT 2024 for Mac. What version do you have?

And what color do you want for crosshairs in the Block Editor?

[rafka009]

I have 2023

and 2024 but I checked only on 2023 now.

lets say geen color of crosshairs but I understood that I can try any color depends on number of color?

[maxim_k]

@rafka009 

>>>>>I can try any color depends on number of color?

Yes, you set the color by numeric value, but this value is a bit tricky to calculate.

I have AutoLISP routine which can calculate numeric values for UI colors in AutoCAD, but you can use it only in full AutoCAD version. That is why I asked you about color you want.

[maxim_k]

Hi @rafka009 

I checked with AutoCAD LT 2024 for Mac and this Terminal command:

defaults write ~/Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD\ LT\ 2024\ Standalone/R24.3/local/HKCU_V1.plist "HKEY_CURRENT_USER.SOFTWARE.AUTODESK.AUTOCAD LT.PROFILES.<<UNNAMED PROFILE>>.DRAWING WINDOW.BEDIT XHAIR COLOR" -int 65280

sets the color of the crosshairs in Block editor to green:

To revert back you need to quit AutoCAD LT and execute the following command in the Terminal.app:

defaults write ~/Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD\ LT\ 2024\ Standalone/R24.3/local/HKCU_V1.plist "HKEY_CURRENT_USER.SOFTWARE.AUTODESK.AUTOCAD LT.PROFILES.<<UNNAMED PROFILE>>.DRAWING WINDOW.BEDIT XHAIR COLOR" -int 0