Abstract: A graphical cursor in text mode is generated by replacing the characters on the display at positions under the cursor with new fonts comprising an image of the cursor superimposed on the image of the characters. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of: determining the new cursor position; restoring the characters at the old cursor position; saving a plurality of the characters near the new cursor position; building new fonts with the plurality of characters near the new cursor position and the cursor symbol; and replacing the plurality of characters at the new cursor position with the new fonts. The preferred method may further comprise the step of detecting the position and movement of the input device when mouse-type input devices are used.