Ink Cursors

Overview of ink cursors.

When providing an ink cursor, consider that:

• The cursor should provide information about the ink color and pen thickness.
• The cursor should be small enough that it does not interrupt the view of the ink as the user is writing.
• Design rules for normal cursors also apply to ink cursors. Use a white border for visibility on dark surfaces. Cursors should respond to Microsoft® Windows® high-contrast modes to remain visible.
• The cursor should be visible for both right-handed and left-handed users when you add visual indication that is off-centered from the hot spot of the cursor.
• Design cursors must be symmetrical so that the target is clear. This alleviates problems caused by parallax. For more detailed information on cursor design, see Visual Design Guidelines.

Make it clear to users where they can lay down ink and where they cannot. You can do this by ensuring that your application:

• Visually indicates where the pen acts as an input device as opposed to a pointing device.

• Uses different cursors when the pen acts as an input device and when it acts as a pointing device.

  

For more information on cursor design, see Working with the Pen Tip.