Understand how changing your cursor works. Most of the time, when implementing some sort of change to a website (vanity or otherwise), it is wise to understand what the change actually does. Changing the cursor on your webpage involves an alteration of the <body> tag, a fundamental HTML tag which is part of the backbone of any page and which sandwiches between itself and its ending </body> tag most of the written and coded content of your webpage. The icon itself will be an image in the .cur format which will be hosted on your webspace or on an outside source (if you use an icon hosted someplace other than your webspace, it is courteous to give credit through a small note somewhere on your website). The cursor will not require much additional loading time and will only last as long as your website is open.
Understand the limitations of changing your cursor. The truth about changing your website cursor is that the only browser that really supports this alteration is Internet Explorer, and for the most part, only Versions 5.5 and above. Changing the cursor in most other browsers is simply not possible. What we can assume to be part of the reason for this is that the Windows operating system allows you to change your desktop cursor very freely. Microsoft most likely recognized a demand for this customization and implemented it into their web software as well.
Decide what you want from your cursor. Most of the time, the webmaster that is implementing a new cursor is not aiming for functionality. Cursors are often a vanity customization, though sometimes they improve the visual scheme of a website in a useful and professional way. For instance, on websites with a search function, it is common that the cursor will change to an hourglass (or clock, etc.) while the website is searching, and then back to a normal cursor when the search is finished. However, the cursor is not always employed to the end of useful visual representation.
Often, the webmaster simply wishes to change his cursor to match his website more closely or to pay homage to a certain character or concept. The cursors that are then employed can sometimes be clunky, and many websurfers will find them unsightly and awkward. However, some cursors look different than the traditional arrow without compromising usability. Crosshairs and variations on the traditional arrow can accomplish the goal of looking different and are unobtrusive.
Ostentatious cursors (such as those that are block-shaped, graphics of animals, etc.), even with a clearly defined arrow in them, may still annoy the user somewhat. However, others may find them fun or amusing. You cannot please everyone; the decision is ultimately up to you.
Find a website that provides what you want. Most of the time, it is the easiest to find a website that supplies custom cursors and the code that you must paste in the HTML of your webpage in order for them to function. To use a website in implementing a new cursor, simply find one like those listed under Recommended Links, and follow their easy instructions. They will allow you to choose a cursor, and then provide you with a section of code which you can paste on your website as they instruct you to.
The above is all the information you need to spice up your webpage with a new and unique cursor. You can take the convenient route by choosing one of thousands of cursors already offered (along with source code) online, or you can put in a little extra study and make your cursor even more unique by using the appropriate software and your own images. Have fun and be creative!
How To Change Your Cursor Using HTML Code
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