18 Creative Custom Cursors

A cursor/pointer is a position indicator that helps the user enter text, numbers, or symbols. The default cursor is a symbol that is easily recognized by tons of people around the world. Without the cursor, user integration would not be as easy as it is now. Cursors have saved many people the trouble of memorizing keyboard shortcuts required to navigate a page.

Creative custom cursors are basically unique customized pointers. Throughout the years, the cursor has been modified to assume different shapes and characters. These customized pointers can boost a site’s interaction and traffic. Many websites have adopted custom cursors because they help them stand out and attract more customers.

Benefits of Creative Custom Cursors

Though they’re not going to make a massive difference in how your website is received by visitors, custom cursors can make an impact, including:

• Help maintain the theme of the website.
• Can attract more customers.
• Build website aesthetics.
• Are easy to make.

How to Choose a Custom Cursor

Here are some factors to consider when looking for a custom cursor for your next website project.

Suitability

Getting a custom cursor that suits your website can offer great user interaction. If your site targets young users, having a quirky cursor can enhance engagement with your website. Whereas if your target market is older, having a custom cursor might not get you the same results.

Formal websites should use default cursors and stay away from custom ones. This helps to maintain the site’s formal tone.

Functionality

Some custom cursors don’t work well with older browsers. If a user opens a website using an old browser that doesn’t support custom cursors, the pointer will assume its default design.

This means features that work with the custom cursor will not be as effective when using the default cursor, which in turn affects user experience. This is something to heavily consider.

Speed

Your site’s loading speed is an important factor if you want to rank well on Google and attract more visitors. Minor site upgrades such as a custom cursor will not typically affect your site’s speed.

18 Examples of Creative Custom Cursors

And now, the part you’ve been waiting for: on to the list of creative and eye-catching custom cursors worthy of your consideration.

1. Custom Cursor by Simon Busborg

See the Pen custom cursor by Simon Busborg (@simonbusborg)
on CodePen.light

2. Custom Cursor Navigation Effect by Mark Mead

See the Pen Custom Cursor Navigation Effect by Mark Mead (@markmead)
on CodePen.light

3. Custom Cursor Inverting Color by Uwe Chardon

See the Pen custom cursor inverting color by Uwe Chardon (@uchardon)
on CodePen.light

4. Custom Cursor by Ivan Di Stasio

See the Pen Custom cursor by Ivan Di Stasio (@IvanDiStasio)
on CodePen.light

5. Custom Cursor With Mixed-Blend-Mode by Victor Hripko

See the Pen Custom cursor with mix-blend-mode by Victor Hripko (@victorhripko)
on CodePen.light

6. Custom Cursor Effect by Ivan Grozdic

See the Pen Custom Cursor Effect by Ivan Grozdic (@ig_design)
on CodePen.light

7. Custom Cursor by Tim Jackleus

See the Pen Custom cursor by Tim Jackleus (@timjackleus)
on CodePen.light

8. Custom Cursor With CSS Variables by Tobias Reich

See the Pen Custom cursor with CSS variables by Tobias Reich (@electerious)
on CodePen.light

9. Circle Cursors by Chris Heuberger

See the Pen Circle Cursors by Chris Heuberger (@ChrisBup)
on CodePen.light

10. Magnetic Hover Interaction by Sikriti Dakua

See the Pen Magnetic Hover Interaction by Sikriti Dakua (@dev_loop)
on CodePen.light

11. Interactive Custom Cursor by hb nguyen

See the Pen Interactive Custom Cursor by hb nguyen (@hbthen3rd)
on CodePen.light

12. Custom Cursor With GSAP TweenMax and CSS by Karlo Videk

See the Pen Custom cursor with GSAP TweenMax and CSS by Karlo Videk (@karlovidek)
on CodePen.light

13. Custom Cursor- Circle Follows The Mouse Pointer by Cojea Gabriel

See the Pen Custom Cursor – Circle Follows The Mouse Pointer by Cojea Gabriel (@gabrielcojea)
on CodePen.light

14. Creating Custom Cursors by designcourse

See the Pen Creating Custom Cursors by designcourse (@designcourse)
on CodePen.light

15. Circle Cursor With Blend Mode by Clement Girault

See the Pen Circle cursor with blend mode by Clement Girault (@clementGir)
on CodePen.light

16. Custom Dot Cursor by Kyle Brumm

See the Pen Custom Dot Cursor by Kyle Brumm (@kjbrum)
on CodePen.light

17. Custom Cursor Using Data-Uri by Sten Hougaard

See the Pen Custom cursors using data-uri by Sten Hougaard (@netsi1964)
on CodePen.light

18. Mutant Cursor by Rafael Gonzalez

See the Pen Mutant Cursor by Rafael González (@rgg)
on CodePen.light

Conclusion

A unique custom cursor is a great way to make sure that users don’t — if you’ll pardon the pun — lose the point. Websites that use creative custom cursors that fit their aesthetic or theme create a more branded look and that is synonymous with increased traffic.

If you’re looking for the best custom cursor for your website, we hope this article will help to that end. Good luck to you!