Free online ICO to CUR converter

Windows cursor editors and customization tools may require a .cur file rather than an icon. Converting an existing .ico preserves its artwork while adding cursor-specific hotspot metadata for mouse-pointer use.

What the ICO format is

ICO is the Windows icon container used for application icons, folders, shortcuts, executable resources, and some website favicons. One file can contain multiple raster images at different dimensions and color depths, such as 16×16, 32×32, 48×48, and 256×256 pixels.

Windows icon editors, resource compilers, graphics applications, and development tools create ICO files. Entries may use alpha-channel transparency or older bitmap transparency masks. A large ICO can therefore provide several sizes, but software may display or convert only one embedded image.

What the CUR format is

CUR is the Windows static cursor format. Its container is closely related to ICO, but each cursor entry includes a hotspot: the pixel coordinate Windows treats as the active pointer location. For an arrow, the hotspot normally belongs at the visible tip; for a crosshair, it usually belongs at the center.

CUR files are used for custom mouse pointers and cursor themes. A CUR file can contain more than one image entry, although a single appropriately sized image is the most compatible choice. Animated Windows cursors use the separate .ani format. An ICO file has no cursor hotspot, so simply renaming .ico to .cur does not create a valid, correctly positioned cursor.

How to convert ICO to CUR

Using 101convert.com

1. Open the ICO-to-CUR converter on 101convert.com.
2. Upload the source .ico file.
3. Start the conversion and download the resulting .cur file.
4. Test the cursor in Windows or in the target application. If the click point is wrong, set the hotspot with a cursor editor.

This browser-based option is free and requires no software installation. The result may use a default hotspot, and a generic converter may select only one image from a multi-size ICO.

Using GIMP

1. Open the ICO with File → Open.
2. If the file contains multiple image sizes, select the layer or size intended for the cursor. Use a size appropriate to the target pointer; remove or hide unwanted layers if the export dialog would otherwise include them.
3. Choose File → Export As, name the output with the .cur extension, and confirm the CUR format.
4. In the CUR export options, enter the hotspot X and Y coordinates. Coordinates normally start at 0 in the upper-left corner.
5. Export the file, then test it through Windows cursor settings or the target program.

GIMP is useful when the artwork needs editing or the hotspot must be positioned precisely. IcoFX is another Windows icon and cursor editor with direct ICO/CUR support and hotspot controls; its menu names vary by version.

Using ImageMagick

ImageMagick is suitable for command-line or batch conversion. Inspect the images embedded in an ICO with:

magick identify source.ico

Convert the first embedded image with:

magick source.ico[0] pointer.cur

To attempt conversion of all readable entries, use:

magick source.ico pointer.cur

ImageMagick may not preserve or provide the intended hotspot, so open the result in a cursor-aware editor when pointer accuracy matters. Check the generated file rather than assuming that every embedded ICO size was retained.

Quality and compatibility limits

Conversion does not increase resolution. Choose the ICO entry closest to the required cursor size: enlarging a small image creates blurred edges, while reducing a large image can remove thin details. Preserve alpha transparency when the pointer has soft edges.

For maximum compatibility, use a standard bitmap cursor image with a sensible size and color depth when the target software is old or undocumented. Modern Windows can read PNG-compressed image entries in many ICO and CUR files, but legacy cursor readers may reject or mishandle them. A multi-image CUR is not guaranteed to work in every application; use one image if the destination expects a simple cursor.

The hotspot is metadata separate from the visible artwork. A missing, default, or 0,0 hotspot can make the cursor look correct while causing clicks to register away from the pointer tip.