If you are tired of the usual default pointer, you can change it to better suit your style. If you are using a Windows system, the procedure to follow is quite simple, but if you are a Mac user, you need to follow a workaround instead - Apple systems do not support custom cursors. On the net you will also find several sites from which you can download cursors for all operating systems.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Find where to download the cursors
As we said, there are several possibilities to download customized cursors on the net. The packages offered can be installed in place of your computer's default one. Here are some of the most popular sites:
- Open Cursor Library
- DeviantArt
- Customize.org
Step 2. Download a package
You will find most cursors in. ZIP format. Avoid downloading those in. EXE format as they may contain malware that would install along with the cursor.
If you want to change the appearance of the cursor, you don't necessarily have to download more; Windows already offers tons of options to choose from
Step 3. Open the downloaded. ZIP file
Double click on the file to see its contents. Normally, normal Windows cursors are. CUR files; animated ones have the extension. ANI instead.
Step 4. Open the folder by following this path:
. C: / Windows / Cursors. This folder contains the cursors currently installed on your computer.
Step 5. Drag the new cursor file to the folder
Cursors, click on Continue; enter the computer administrator password if required. To be able to install a new cursor, you must be logged in as an administrator.
Step 6. Open the control panel to select the new cursor
- Windows XP, Vista and 7 - click on "Start" and select "Control Panel" from the menu.
- Windows 8.1 - click on "Start" or press Ctrl + X at the same time; then select "Control Panel".
Step 7. Select the "Mouse" or "Hardware and Sound" icon and then "Mouse"
The available options change according to the "Control Panel" display settings.
Step 8. Open the tab
Pointers. This will allow you to see the current pointer and combination settings.
From the "Themes" drop-down menu you can select one of the different pre-installed combinations
Step 9. Select the slider you want to change
You can change the pointer icon for each of the cursor states. The standard cursor is called "Normal Selection" while the typing cursor is called "Text Selection".
Step 10. Click on
Browse …. The window for the folder containing the cursors will open. Select the one you want to use and then click Open.
Repeat this to replace any other slider conditions you want to change
Step 11. Click on the button
Apply. All changes will be applied and your new cursor should now appear.
You can restore a pointer by selecting it from the list and clicking the Use Default button
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Change the size of the cursor
OS X does not require the use of custom pointers since cursors on Mac depend on individual applications / programs and not on the operating system as it happens on Windows. We can change the size of the cursor from the "System Preferences" menu. To change the pointer you need to use a special program (read on to find out how).
- Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences";
- Select "Accessibility" and click on "View";
- Use the slider provided to adjust the size of the slider.
Step 2. Download and install Mousecape to customize cursors
It is a free and open-source utility that allows you to apply custom sets in the OS X environment. Mousecape is the easiest way to make these kinds of changes.
You can download it from this link. Choose the most recent file, the program will be downloaded as a ZIP archive, unzip it and drag the.app folder to the Applications folder of your Mac
Step 3. Find the cursors you want to install
Mousecape allows you to load predefined packages of cursors with the. CAPE extension. You can find this type of file on many sites, including DeviantArt. Through a simple "drag & drop" action of image files it is possible to create new cursors. This will allow you to create new pointers using cursor previews for Windows.
Step 4. Open mousecape
A page will be displayed with the list of available cursors. It will probably be empty at the first opening.
Step 5. Add the. CAPE files
If you have already downloaded some of these files you can add them by dragging them into the application window.
Step 6. Press
⌘ Cmd + N to create a new cursor. To edit an existing one, press ⌘ Cmd + E to make the change.
If you are using a device with a Retina display, remember to check the "Retina" box
Step 7. Click on the button
+ to create a new object in the new.cape file (your new cursor).
Step 8. Click and drag the image you want to use for the cursor into the first box on the left
You can add additional images in case you intend to enlarge the cursor.
Step 9. Select the type of pointer you want from the "Type" drop-down menu
The default one is called "Arrow".
Step 10. Adjust the values for the "Hot Spot"
This is the actual cursor position on the image. The value 0, 0 represents the upper left corner of the image, the first digit indicates by how many pixels the hot spot will move to the right; the second instead determines how much it will move downwards.
Step 11. Save your new cursor
Click on "File" → "Save" or press ⌘ Command + S. Now you can close the window!
Step 12. Double click on the. CAPE file in the list
A preview of the new pointer will be shown. Double clicking will apply the cursor to the system.
