Things You'll Need:
- Windows XP
- Adobe Photoshop CS2 or Better
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Step 1
Download the Photoshop Cursor Plug-in for Adobe Photoshop (see link in Resources). This will allow you to save documents in the proper format for use as a mouse pointer. It has been verified safe. Either save it to your desktop or to your default download location. This location will vary depending on operating system settings.
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Step 2
Locate the file you just downloaded once the download completes. Select it by clicking once on the file. Press "Control" and "X" on your keyboard to cut the file, rather than copy it.
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Step 3
Place the file in this folder:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS4\Plug-ins\File Formats
To paste the file, press "Control" and "V" in the open window. If using the Adobe Technical Communications Suite 2, Photoshop may be within a folder labeled accordingly within the Adobe folder. Close all open windows after pasting the file. -
Step 4
Open Adobe Photoshop and click "File" in the top menu bar. It will be located on the left-hand side near the top. Select "New" from the drop-down menu.
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Step 5
Settings for New Mouse Pointer Image.Create a new image that is 32-by-32 pixels. Name it anything you choose, but do not use spaces or unusual characters. This will affect how Windows can see your mouse pointer. Make sure your resolution is 72 pixels per inch. See the image here for an example of the settings.
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Step 6
Create your image however you please. For this example, we are just going to create a colored arrow.
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Step 7
Select the Custom Shape tool from the tool bar in Photoshop. It will be under the Shape tool for creating rectangles, etc. Once it is selected, you will need to make sure you have it set for arrows.
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Step 8
Shape Settings in Photoshop.Click the Shape selection button near the top. Click the small arrow in the top right corner of the drop-down window. Select "Arrows" from the list. Choose to replace the existing shape set when prompted. See the image here for reference. All important areas are circled in red.
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Step 9
Arrow Shape Chosen.Select an arrow shape for your mouse pointer from the set by clicking it.
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Step 10
Adobe Photoshop Color Picker.Click on the color selector for the foreground color and choose your color. See the image here for reference. Red is used for the example.
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Step 11
Arrow Mouse Pointer Image.Make sure you have the shape tool selected again and hold down your left mouse button. Drag your mouse over the blank area on your 32-by-32 pixel image. You should see the shape outline at least. If your new mouse pointer shape goes over your edges, do not worry because we will resize it. Your image should look something like the image here.
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Step 12
resize shapeSelect Edit > Transform Path > Scale from the top menu bar. See the image here for reference.
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Step 13
Resize the shape so it fits within the image dimensions. You are now ready to save the image.
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Step 14
Cursor File Format.Click File > Save As... from the top tool bar. Click "My Documents" in the left hand menu of the Save As window. Make sure you select the Cursor Format from available file formats. See the image for reference.
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Step 15
Close all open programs and windows. Return to your desktop. Click Start > Control Panel.
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Step 16
Make sure you are in Classic Mode in the control panel. If not, click "Switch to Classic View" in the top left. See the image here to make sure you are in the correct mode. Double click on "Mouse" in the items listed. Select the "Pointers" tab at the top and click on "Browse" at the bottom of the window. Locate your new mouse pointer in your "My Documents" folder and click "Open" at the bottom of the window. Click "OK" in the mouse settings window to start using your new mouse pointer.
