Turn a picture into a Windows cursor

Start with a clear image

Images with a simple outline are easier to recognize at cursor size. A PNG with a transparent background is ideal, but Cursed can also read JPEG, WebP, BMP, ICO, and TIFF pictures. Crop away unused space so the visible shape occupies the canvas.

Fine text and tiny details usually disappear when the image becomes a pointer. Use a strong silhouette and test it on both bright and dark parts of your screen.

Place the hotspot where the click should land

The hotspot is the exact pixel Windows treats as the point of the cursor. For an arrow, it normally sits at the tip. For a crosshair, it belongs in the center. A misplaced hotspot makes every click feel offset even when the cursor looks correct.

Cursed shows the image while you choose the hotspot, then builds the Windows cursor at multiple sizes so it remains clear across common display scaling settings.

Create and apply the cursor

1. Open the custom import screen in Cursed.
2. Drop the picture into the window or choose it from your PC.
3. Crop the image, clean its background if needed, and choose the hotspot.
4. Select whether it should replace only the main pointer or all 17 roles.
5. Save or apply the result.

Keep the original file. Cursed stores the generated cursor locally, but the source picture is still the best copy if you want to recrop it or choose a different hotspot later.

Use artwork you have the right to use

Your own photos, drawings, logos, and licensed artwork are suitable sources. Avoid redistributing someone else’s character, logo, or cursor pack unless its license permits that use.