How to Change Cursor from Plus to Arrow in Excel (3 Easy Steps)

The cursor in Excel serves as a crucial tool for navigation throughout the spreadsheet. The default shape of the cursor is a white plus sign in Excel. But the default cursor in Windows is an arrow sign. For this reason, users may want to change the cursor from a plus sign to an arrow sign.

In this article, you will learn how to change the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel using VBA macro.

The following image shows the before and after illustration of changing the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel.

Why Do You Need to Change Cursor From Plus to Arrow in Excel?

You may need to change the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel for various advantages.

• It is the familiar and standard cursor sign for the majority of users.
• It provides a clear indication for navigating through cells and data in Excel.
• The arrow cursor reduces potential confusion, as the plus cursor is often associated with adding or creating objects.

Using VBA to Change Cursor from Plus to Arrow in Excel

In Excel, VBA is a powerful tool that allows users to automate tasks and enhance functionality. A simple VBA macro can help change the cursor shape from plus to arrow.

To change the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel using VBA macro, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Launch Visual Basic Window

Select Visual Basic from the Developer tab.

Step 2: Insert VBA Code

1. Click on Insert > Module.
2. Enter the following code in the module window:

Sub PlusToCursor()
Application.Cursor = xlNorthwestArrow
End Sub

Step 3: Run the Macro

1. Click on the Run icon.
2. Select the newly created macro and click Run.

You will notice that the cursor changed from cross to arrow.

• Alternatively, you can run the macro from the View tab > Macros > View Macros.

• You can also run macro from the Developer tab > Macros.

Download Practice Workbook

Download this practice workbook below.

Conclusion

This article illustrates the way to change the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel using VBA. This method helps to get the conventional arrow in Excel very easily. Hope you will be able to learn and apply the method seamlessly. Feel free to ask any questions or feedback through the comment section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to change the cursor from arrow to plus in Excel?

Insert the following code in a new module and run.

Sub PlusToCursor()
Application.Cursor = xldefault
End Sub

How to change the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel Mac?

You can apply the above code to change the cursor from plus to arrow in Excel Mac too.

How can I use the plus sign cursor for the Fill handle tool?

You can change it in Excel Advanced options.

1. Go to File tab > Options.
2. Select Advanced > Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop > OK.

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