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
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custom cursor by Simon Busborg (@simonbusborg)
on CodePen.light
2. Custom Cursor Navigation Effect by Mark Mead
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Custom Cursor Navigation Effect by Mark Mead (@markmead)
on CodePen.light
3. Custom Cursor Inverting Color by Uwe Chardon
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custom cursor inverting color by Uwe Chardon (@uchardon)
on CodePen.light
4. Custom Cursor by Ivan Di Stasio
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Custom cursor by Ivan Di Stasio (@IvanDiStasio)
on CodePen.light
5. Custom Cursor With Mixed-Blend-Mode by Victor Hripko
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Custom cursor with mix-blend-mode by Victor Hripko (@victorhripko)
on CodePen.light
6. Custom Cursor Effect by Ivan Grozdic
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Custom Cursor Effect by Ivan Grozdic (@ig_design)
on CodePen.light
7. Custom Cursor by Tim Jackleus
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Custom cursor by Tim Jackleus (@timjackleus)
on CodePen.light
8. Custom Cursor With CSS Variables by Tobias Reich
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Custom cursor with CSS variables by Tobias Reich (@electerious)
on CodePen.light
9. Circle Cursors by Chris Heuberger
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Circle Cursors by Chris Heuberger (@ChrisBup)
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10. Magnetic Hover Interaction by Sikriti Dakua
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Magnetic Hover Interaction by Sikriti Dakua (@dev_loop)
on CodePen.light
11. Interactive Custom Cursor by hb nguyen
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Interactive Custom Cursor by hb nguyen (@hbthen3rd)
on CodePen.light
12. Custom Cursor With GSAP TweenMax and CSS by Karlo Videk
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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
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Custom Cursor – Circle Follows The Mouse Pointer by Cojea Gabriel (@gabrielcojea)
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14. Creating Custom Cursors by designcourse
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Creating Custom Cursors by designcourse (@designcourse)
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15. Circle Cursor With Blend Mode by Clement Girault
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Circle cursor with blend mode by Clement Girault (@clementGir)
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16. Custom Dot Cursor by Kyle Brumm
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Custom Dot Cursor by Kyle Brumm (@kjbrum)
on CodePen.light
17. Custom Cursor Using Data-Uri by Sten Hougaard
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Custom cursors using data-uri by Sten Hougaard (@netsi1964)
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18. Mutant Cursor by Rafael Gonzalez
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Mutant Cursor by Rafael González (@rgg)
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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!