Dynamic HTML: The Definitive Reference

Name

cursor — NN n/a IE 4 CSS 2

Synopsis

Inherited: Yes

Sets the shape of the cursor when the screen pointer is on the element. The precise look of cursors depends on the operating system. Before deploying a modified cursor, be sure you understand the standard ways that the various types of cursors are used within the browser and operating system. Users expect a cursor design to mean the same thing across all applications. Figure 10.3 offers a gallery of Windows and Macintosh cursors for each of the cursor constant settings provided by Internet Explorer 4.

Figure 10-3. Internet Explorer cursor gallery

CSS Syntax

cursor: auto | crosshair | default | e-resize | help | move | n-resize |
ne-resize | nw-resize | pointer | s-resize | se-resize | sw-resize | text |
w-resize || wait || uri

Value

Any one cursor constant. Note that the CSS working draft specifies the pointer value for the cursor that points to a link value, whereas Internet Explorer 4 implements the value as hand. Although not supported in Internet Explorer 4, the URI value (specified in CSS2) indicates possible future support for a downloadable cursor. Presumably, browsers will allow a uniform file format across all operating systems.

Initial Value

auto

Example

A.helpLink {cursor: help}

Applies To

All elements.