This is Part 1 of how to create cursors. So, I'm going to teach my first tutorial on how to create your on Cursors with Adobe Photoshop and Axialis Cursor. I often use the combination of the two because it's easy and fast. I'm going to show you how to draw a simple normal pointer.

First off start by creating a new canvas in Photoshop. I'm currently using Adobe Photoshop CS3 but you can use previous versions as far as Adobe 6 I think. All cursors are 32x32 and that is the size you want to use. Anything larger and windows will automatically resize the cursor to 32x32.

Next go ahead and create a new layer.

Next press CTRL + 0 to zoom in 3200% or 1600%. Most cursors are pixel art. But with Windowx XP and up, you can get more advance with cursors. I will teach that in Part 2 Of the tutorial but for now we are going to use the standard 32x32 256 color cursor.

Next grab the pencil tool. Pick any color you want. I choose #052a4b. Next draw about 25 pixels down along the edge. 8 Pixels diagonal to the right. 10 Pixels to the right. 18 to the left diagonal. Look at the image at how I drew it.



Next Go ahead and fill the cursor with a solid color. I choose #1a9bfd



Next right click the layer and choose "Blending Options"



Then choose Bevel and Emboss Use the settings in the image below or mess around with your own. Click on image for a larger view



Next check Emboss as well and use the settings I use below or your own. Click on image for a larger view




Next check inner shadow and use the settings I use below or use your own. Click on image for a larger view




You should have an image like the one there.



Right now it looks pretty cool as is, but lets tweak it out a little by adding some more highlights and making it stand out more. Grab the pencil tool again and start drawing in highlights. Be creative and do it yourself. After a few mintues I did something like below



And the final result is...



Save the image as a gif format. Next download and install Axialis cursor workshop. It's free for 30 days and is probably the best cursor software out there that I know of.

Open up Axialis, then Open up the image that you saved in Photoshop. Once it's open press "I" on your keyboard. It'll ask you to pick which format, just choose "32x32 - 256", Press Okay.



And that's it. It should convert it for you now. Next is to save the cursor. Press "CtrL + S" and save it. You can test it out before saving if you want. By using their test window in Axialis. Next if you want to use this cursor on your desktop computer follow my instructions below.

1. Click On "Start"
2. Go To Control Panel
3. Choose "Mouse"
4. Click On "Pointers" Tab
5. Click Browse,Find cursor, and click "Open" then click "Apply"

Below is are variation of cursors that I did with different cursors etc. You can click on the image to download them if you don't want to make them. Thank you for following this tutorial. If you have any questions please leave a comment. Next up I will show you how to create an animated cursor in photoshop.

Umm can you tell me if you know how to create a cursor and put some names like The WANTED or something... or it works in adobe too??

weres the download link

it doesn't convert it to a .cur for me..
and i can't open a .ico with vista to use it for a cursor..
Am i doing something horribly wrong?

Emh.. I've done the cursor, and I already have it on my computer (like a real cursor, as you show here) BUT. I want it like a Myspace code! :s I've been looking EVERYWHERE to find how to, but I just can't find it.. What should I do? :)

ok... So where is this download then?
It tells me how to create your own cursor but there ain't anything to click onto. Pointless.

Reply By Tor (Admin):
There's a link above for the program called Axialis Cursor Workshop. It's shown as a Baby Blue Color. Sorta deep into the tutorial. But I made another guide specifically for programs. You can read it here with a small review...

http://www.cursors-4u.com/2011/01/24/list-of-cursor-software-programs-and-editors.html

do you need Adobe Photoshop or can you use ms paint

Reply By Tor (Admin):
As long as you can save it as jpg or gif, doesn't matter. You'll need a cursor program to convert it though.

OMG! it really work!!
thanks for tutorial!!!

cool

wana cursor like my name

I Love Jonathan

grate tutorial thanks man

I think you need it. It would be cool if you did't.

Do you really need the axialis thing or can you make cursors without it????

Reply By Tor (Admin):
Yes you need it to create cursors. You can also google "Anituner", "RWDesigner CursorMaker", and "Art Cursor" for other programs. The first two are free and work very well.

awesome ways to make cursors

cursors are dumb

kool! Thanxx