EXP to CUR Converter

Convert EXP embroidery designs to CUR cursor files

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Custom Cursor Design

Create unique CUR cursor files from your EXP embroidery patterns. Personalize your desktop with stitch-inspired mouse pointers.

No Install Needed

Upload your EXP file via any web browser and receive the CUR output. No desktop applications or plugins required.

Secure Conversion

Uploaded EXP files are deleted immediately after processing. CUR output files are automatically purged within 24 hours.

How to convert EXP 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

EXP (Melco) is a machine embroidery file format developed by Melco, a company founded in 1972 that pioneered the commercial embroidery industry. The format stores stitch data as a series of relative coordinate movements using a compact binary structure, with each record encoding the needle's horizontal and vertical displacement along with control flags for stitch type, color changes, and machine stops. EXP files use a straightforward sequential layout — stitch records follow one after another without complex headers or nested structures, making the format reliable and fast to process on embroidery machine controllers. Melco developed the format for their commercial multi-head embroidery machines, widely deployed in contract embroidery shops, uniform manufacturers, and promotional product companies. One advantage is efficiency for commercial production — the lean binary structure minimizes file size and loading time, important when operators run hundreds of designs daily on multi-head machines. The format's association with Melco's professional-grade equipment gives it credibility in the commercial embroidery sector, where reliability and speed are prioritized. Most professional digitizing software — including Wilcom, Pulse, and Hatch — supports EXP export, ensuring designs from any major platform can target Melco equipment. While EXP lacks embedded thread color metadata, its simplicity and industry acceptance have sustained its use across decades of commercial embroidery production.
Initial release: 1985
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 EXP to CUR?

CUR is the Windows cursor format. Converting EXP to CUR lets you craft custom mouse cursors themed around your embroidery designs.

How quickly does EXP to CUR conversion finish?

Most conversions complete within seconds. Larger files may take slightly longer, but cloud processing keeps it fast regardless of your device.

Is the embroidery design scaled to cursor size?

Yes — the conversion renders your EXP pattern at cursor-appropriate dimensions, producing a usable CUR file right away.

Does this conversion work on Mac?

The converter itself runs in any browser. CUR files are primarily a Windows format, but the conversion tool is cross-platform.

Is there a fee for converting?

Basic EXP to CUR conversion is free on Convertio. Premium accounts offer expanded limits and priority processing.