.CUR File Extension

Windows Cursor Image

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What is a CUR file?

A CUR file is a Microsoft Windows cursor image. It is used to change the appearance of the Windows mouse pointer. Typical CUR images include arrows (for general use), hourglasses (to represent when a file or program is loading), and I-bars (for text editing).

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Screenshot of a .cur file in Microsoft Windows Control Panel
CUR file open in Microsoft Windows Control Panel

Windows includes several default CUR files that determine your cursor's appearance in various scenarios, such as when the system is busy, you are resizing a window, or you are editing text. These CUR files are stored in the following location:

C:/​Windows/​Cursors

You can also install custom CUR files, which you may have created yourself or downloaded online. Custom Windows themes (.THEME files) often contain custom CUR files.

How to use a CUR file as a cursor image

To use a CUR file as a Windows cursor image:

  1. Open the Windows Control Panel and search for "mouse."
  2. Select Change how the mouse pointer looks.
  3. In the Mouse Properties window's Pointers menu, select the cursor image you'd like to modify.
  4. Click Browse... and then navigate to and select your CUR file.
  5. Click Apply to apply your changes.

NOTE: CUR files always contain static cursor images. Animated cursor images are saved as .ANI files.

How to open a CUR file

You can open a CUR file with Axialis CursorWorkshop (Windows), RealWorld Cursor Editor (Windows), or Inkscape (multiplatform), to view and edit the image it contains.

How to convert a CUR file

You can use Inkscape, RealWorld Cursor Editor, or Axialis CursorWorkshop to convert CUR images to other formats. For example, Axialis CursorWorkshop can convert CUR images to the following formats:

  • .BMP - Bitmap Image
  • .PSD - Adobe Photoshop Document
  • .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
  • .GIF - Graphical Interchange Format
  • .JP2 - JPEG 2000 Core Image
Open and view .CUR files with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open or reference CUR files

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