PFB to CUR Converter

Create CUR cursor files from PFB fonts — free online

Drop files here. 1 GB maximum file size or Sign Up
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Custom Cursors

Design unique Windows cursors from PFB font glyphs — add a typographic touch to desktop interfaces and application UIs.

Font to Pointer

Turn any PFB character into a functional CUR cursor file with proper hotspot data for real Windows usage.

Online Tool

No cursor editors or font tools needed locally — Convertio handles the entire PFB to CUR pipeline in the cloud.

How to convert PFB 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

PFB (Printer Font Binary) is the compact binary representation of Adobe's PostScript Type 1 font format, introduced alongside PFA in 1984. Where PFA stores the entire font program as hex-encoded ASCII text, PFB wraps the same data in a lightweight binary container that uses segment headers to mark regions as ASCII or binary. The encrypted glyph outline section (eexec) is stored as raw bytes rather than hex characters, cutting the file size roughly in half compared to PFA. Each segment begins with a marker byte and a 32-bit length field, making the format simple to parse while still significantly more compact. PFB became the dominant Type 1 distribution format on Windows and DOS platforms, used in combination with PFM (Printer Font Metrics) or AFM files that supply the character width and kerning data needed for text layout. One advantage is storage and transfer efficiency — the binary encoding means a typical text font occupies 30-50 KB rather than the 60-100 KB its PFA equivalent would require. The segmented structure also allows PostScript interpreters to stream font data efficiently, processing ASCII and binary portions with their respective handlers. Adobe Type Manager (ATM) on Windows relied on PFB files to render smooth Type 1 text on screen, a capability that transformed desktop publishing on the PC platform. While OpenType fonts have largely replaced Type 1 for new work, PFB files persist in established print workflows, archival font libraries, and systems that depend on PostScript output.
Developer: Adobe Systems
Initial release: 1984
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

Do I need to register to convert PFB to CUR?

No account is required. You can convert PFB to CUR directly without signing up — just upload, convert, and download.

How to open CUR?

CUR files are used directly by Windows as mouse cursors. You can also preview them in Greenfish Icon Editor, GIMP, or IrfanView.

How is CUR different from ICO?

CUR is structurally similar to ICO but includes a hotspot coordinate that defines where the cursor "clicks" — essential for accurate pointer behavior.

Can I set the cursor hotspot?

The hotspot is defined during conversion. You may want to adjust it afterward in a cursor editor for precise click positioning.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes — convert PFB to CUR at no cost, entirely from your web browser, with no software installation.