I have been getting quite a few messages lately from people wanting to know how to change their Vista cursors. Many of them are still using CursorXP, and I guess maybe the CursorFX news just hasn't reached everyone yet. No big deal though, lets go through the steps on getting some custom cursors on your Windows desktop.
What is CursorFX?
CursorFX is the successor to the highly popular CursorXP application. I think it's safe to say CursorXP was the top choice when needing to apply custom created cursors to your desktop, and with millions of downloads from sites like Download.com, I think many would agree.
CursorXP was great, but it was showing some age and with Vista coming along, it was time to develop a suitable replacement. In comes CursorFX. CursorFX is not just an update to CursorXP, it's a completely new application that works with both Windows Vista and XP.
It's available in both a free version, and a Plus version for $19.95. The free version has a wide variety of features such as full anti-aliased cursors, 32-bit alpha blended, animations, theme editor, new user interface, and more. The Plus version adds to that with special effects, cursor colorization, cursor sizing, transparency, and much more.
Changing Your Cursor Theme
If you downloaded the free version, you just install from the file that was downloaded. If you purchased CursorFX Plus then you can also download through Stardock Central or Impulse. So once it's installed, start the application and you will see the main configuration screen.
|
|
|
CursorFX Main
|
In the center of the window you see the list of currently installed cursor themes. CursorFX by default comes with several themes included, but I will also show you where to get more later in the article. You can simply browse the list of cursor themes by scrolling through the list, and when you find one you like, just double-click the selection or hit the Apply button. That will automatically change your cursor to the selected one.
|
|
|
CursorFX Preview
|
By clicking the magnifying glass icon on the right of the selection, it will bring up the full preview of all the included cursor states. It will even preview the animations so you can see exactly what the cursor looks like.
Special Effects
CursorFX adds many features including special effects and trails. In the main configuration window on the left side, you have a list of additional features like effects and trails.
|
|
|
CursorFX Effects
|
You can select different cursor actions and states, and apply the available effects to that selection. It's a great way to add some more customization to your cursor theme.
Getting More Themes
CursorFX includes several high quality cursors, but no need to limit yourself to those. There are hundreds available on WinCustomize.com, and remember that CursorFX cursors are compatible with CursorFX.
There are some really great cursors available in the CursorFX gallery, so be sure to browse through and see all the great works.
Link: CursorFX gallery on WinCustomize
Download: Stardock's CursorFX
Screencast: Changing Cursors With CursorFX