CGM to CUR Converter

Convert CGM metafiles to CUR cursor format online

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Custom Cursors

Turn CGM graphics into Windows cursor files. Create unique CUR cursors from your technical or decorative ISO metafile designs.

Secure Processing

Uploaded CGM files are erased after conversion. CUR outputs are deleted within 24 hours — your files stay private.

Any Platform

Access the CGM to CUR converter from Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile devices. Any modern browser is all you need.

How to convert CGM to CUR

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose cur or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your cur file right afterwards

About formats

CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) is a vector graphics standard defined by ISO 8632, first published in 1987 and developed through the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 committee. The standard defines a device-independent format for storing and transferring two-dimensional vector graphics, raster images, and text. CGM supports three encoding methods: character encoding (compact text representation), binary encoding (efficient machine-readable form), and clear-text encoding (human-readable for debugging). The format describes graphical primitives including polylines, polygons, ellipses, circular arcs, splines, and text with associated attributes for color, line style, fill patterns, and clipping boundaries. CGM found its strongest adoption in technical documentation, particularly in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors where long-term archival and precise technical illustration are critical. One advantage is formal standardization — as an ISO standard, CGM provides vendor-neutral, specification-driven interoperability guaranteed across compliant implementations. The format's adoption in specialized industries is another practical strength: WebCGM, a W3C profile of CGM, became the mandated illustration format for interactive electronic technical manuals in the aerospace industry (ATA iSpec 2200), ensuring CGM's continued relevance in aviation maintenance documentation. While general-purpose vector work has moved to SVG and PDF, CGM persists in regulated industries where certified, standards-based graphics interchange is mandatory.
Initial release: 1987
CUR is the cursor image format for Microsoft Windows, structurally nearly identical to the ICO (icon) format but with the addition of a hotspot coordinate that identifies the precise pixel position where mouse clicks register. Introduced with early Windows versions, CUR files use the same container structure as ICO: a directory header listing one or more image entries, each specifying dimensions and color depth, followed by the pixel data for each variant. Like ICO, a single CUR file can contain multiple images at different sizes and color depths, allowing Windows to select the most appropriate cursor image for the current display resolution and color settings. Image data within CUR files can be stored as BMP pixel arrays (for legacy compatibility) or as embedded PNG images (supported since Windows Vista) for alpha-blended cursors with smooth edges. The hotspot coordinate — the distinguishing feature separating CUR from ICO — is stored as an X,Y pair in the directory entry header, typically pointing to the tip of an arrow or the center of a crosshair. One advantage is multi-resolution packaging: a single CUR file provides appropriate cursor imagery across display densities from standard DPI to high-DPI screens. Native Windows integration is another strength — CUR files are loaded directly by the operating system for mouse cursor display without any third-party software. CUR files are used by application developers and theme creators to customize the pointing experience across Windows environments.
Developer: Microsoft
Initial release: 1987

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert CGM to CUR?

CUR is the Windows cursor format. Converting CGM to CUR lets you create custom mouse cursors from technical or decorative metafile graphics.

What opens CUR files?

Windows uses CUR files natively for mouse cursors. Cursor editors like RealWorld Cursor Editor and Greenfish Icon Editor also handle them.

Does CUR support transparency?

Yes — CUR files include transparency masks so cursors blend seamlessly with any background on the desktop.

Is this tool free to use?

Standard CGM to CUR conversion is free on Convertio. Premium accounts offer additional capacity for larger or more frequent conversions.

Can I convert CGM to CUR on a phone?

Convertio runs in any mobile browser. Upload your CGM file and receive CUR output without installing any application.