How to Remove the Circle Cursor on the Brush Tool in Adobe Illustrator CC

The small circle that appears at the end of the brush tool in Adobe Illustrator CC serves as a helpful visual indicator for brush size. However, if you find this circle annoying and would like to remove or hide it, there are a few methods to do so. Here’s a detailed guide and alternative solutions:

Method 1: Change Cursor Preferences

If you can't find the circle cursor distracting and prefer to remove it, you can use the Preferences feature to adjust cursor settings:

Open Preferences On the Windows version, go to Edit > Preferences. On the Mac version, go to Illustrator > Preferences. Select the General option. Look for an option called Show Brush Size. Uncheck this box to hide the circle cursor. Click OK to apply the settings.

Although you can no longer see the circle, the circle cursor is a helpful visual indicator for brush size, especially when working with different brush types. Disabling it may affect your ability to accurately gauge the brush's effect.

Method 2: Use a Different Brush Tool

If you find the circle cursor particularly distracting, consider using a different tool or method for creating your artwork. For example:

Use the Pen Tool to create paths without the brush cursor. Utilize the Shape Tools to draw shapes directly.

Note

Keep in mind that the circle cursor is a helpful visual indicator for brush size, especially when working with different brush types. Disabling it may affect your ability to accurately gauge the brush's effect.

Alternative Method

For the Italian edition of Adobe Illustrator CC, you can follow these steps:

Click on the Adobe Illustrator text in the upper left corner. This will open a drop-down window. Look for the Settings tab and click on it. A new window will appear. Click on the General tab. Find the option that interests you, which should be something like Use Precise Cursors. This should allow your cursor to appear as a small cross, which is bigger than the circle you are trying to get rid of. Alternatively, you can toggle between using the Caps Lock key.

If you are still having trouble or if the preferences do not resolve the issue, you might also want to check for any updates to Illustrator CC or review the user manual for any additional settings related to cursor display.

By adjusting these settings, you can enhance your workflow and gain greater control over your Illustrator CC projects. Whether you're an artist, designer, or simply looking to improve your productivity, these tips should help you achieve the desired brush tool experience.