As its name clearly suggests, this program allows you to modify and customize your Windows cursors so that your working environment turns unique. Besides, you can also create new cursors from the scratch - or using any image file in JPEG, PNG, BMP or GIF formats as a base. This tool can be used to create animated and multi-resolution cursors too, for compatibility with the latest versions of MS Windows.
Initially, the program shows you a simple and intuitive user interface, based on several tabs. One of them is "Online" and gives you access to a series of helpful online resources that include multiple video tutorials, plugins and some ready-to-use samples. Customize tab, on the other hand, detects all your current cursors and allows you to edit them, change them or return to the default ones. Also, the Create tab allows you to design a brand-new cursor either from the scratch, or using a base image file. Alternatively, the program can load a previously copied image directly from your clipboard, or even capture your desktop to use it as a base.
Whether you select to edit an existing cursor or to crate a new one, the program will launch its image editor, which is based on RealWorld Paint, a feature-rich editor also published by RealWorld Graphics. This editor provides you with a myriad of drawing tools and effects such as pencil, eraser, line, text, flood fill, retouch with brush, multiple transformations, multiple selection methods and others. You also have several ready-to-use animations like clock, animated dots, spinning wheel and animated fire. Each tool includes its own configuration panel where you can adjust the appropriate parameters. Furthermore, if you plan to work with animated cursors, you can add or remove layers as required, and work with each one independently. Finally, when you finish your creation, you can save it in several image formats including PNG, GIF, static/animated cursor file, or using the program's proprietary format (RLI). You can also send your creation to the publisher's online library directly from the program's interface, but this requires having an account with them first.
To cut a long story short, I would say RealWorld Cursor Editor is an excellent tool when it comes to editing or creating cursor files. I would recommend it to any person, considering it provides a feature-rich image editor totally free of charge. If for whatever reason you are not convinced with the program or its features, you can uninstall it at any moment without any complication.
v9.1 [Sep 3, 2009]
This version got updates from Paint.COM and it now supports layers in both the image editor and the cursor editor. The editor does not differentiate between static and animated cusors anymore. The 3D module was removed and it will be available as a separated download later.
The application remains available under a freeware license.
New features
Layer support - create reaster images with layers or cursors with layers.
Arbitrary selections - select regions and apply effects to them.
Languages - application can be translated to any language.
Smart file type handling - .cur, .ani and, .rcu file types are used as needed.
Redesigned wizards - faster to use due to modeless configuration windows.
Animatioin preview window - animation preview window capable of adjusting cursor hot spot.
Portable version - works on Win2000, WinXP, Vista, Win7.
Extensibility (SDK available) - people can create plug-ins.
And more...
Known problems
An attempt to open 63 windows simultaneously hangs the application.
Mall Creeps
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