Graphics    

Specifying the Figure Pointer

MATLAB indicates the position of the pointer (cursor) within the figure window using a graphical symbol. You can select a pointer from 15 predefined symbols (see table below) or you can define your own symbol. By convention, each of the predefined symbols has a purpose associated with it (although MATLAB enforces no rules for the use of any symbols).

You specify the pointer symbol by setting the value of the figure Pointer property. For example, this statement sets the pointer in the current figure (gcf) to an arrow.

The following table shows the predefined symbols, the associated specifier, and describes typical use.

Purpose
Specifier
Typical Symbol
Locate a point on a graphics object
crosshair

Select a point anywhere in the figure
arrow

Indicate the system is busy
watch

Resize an object from the top-left corner
topl

Resize an object from the top-right corner
topr

Resize an object from the bottom-left corner
botl

Resize an object from the bottom-right corner
botr

View the actual hot spot
circle

Locate a point
cross

Use as popular symbol
fleur

Resize an object from the left side
left

Resize an object from the right side
right

Resize an object from the top
top

Resize an object from the bottom
bottom

Align a point with other objects on the display
fullcross



See the next section for information on defining your own pointer shape
custom


  Selecting a Renderer Defining Custom Pointers