Custom CSS cursors are one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools in a web developer’s arsenal for creating memorable user experiences. While most websites stick to the default arrow pointer, implementing unique cursors can instantly make your site feel more interactive, branded, and engaging.
The beauty of custom cursors lies in their subtlety – they’re a detail that users might not consciously notice, but they definitely feel. Think about how different it feels to navigate a creative agency’s website with a custom crosshair cursor versus a corporate site with standard pointers. That small touch communicates personality and attention to detail.
Custom CSS cursors represent a small but significant opportunity to differentiate your website and create memorable user interactions. When implemented thoughtfully, they become an invisible part of your site’s personality – noticed subconsciously but felt by every visitor.
The next time you’re polishing a website’s details, don’t overlook the humble cursor. It might just be the finishing touch that transforms a good user experience into an unforgettable one.
Here is a handpicked collection of custom cursor examples from Codepen.
Spotlight Cursor Text Screen
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Spotlight Cursor Text Screen by Caroline Artz (@carolineartz)
on CodePen.
Satisfying Curly Cursor
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Satisfying curly cursor (3kb of vanilla JS on canvas) by Ksenia Kondrashova (@ksenia-k)
on CodePen.
Neon Cursor
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ThreeJS Toys – Neon Cursor by Kevin Levron (@soju22)
on CodePen.
Cursor Library
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Curzr | Free cursor library by Fuzionix (@fuzionix)
on CodePen.
Circle Cursor With Blend Mode
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Circle cursor with blend mode by Clement Girault (@clementGir)
on CodePen.
Cursor With Progress Indicator
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Cursor with progress indicator by Ivan Grozdic (@ig_design)
on CodePen.
Particles Cursor
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ThreeJS Toys – Particles Cursor by Kevin Levron (@soju22)
on CodePen.
Ghost Cursor
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WebGL Ghost Cursor (2023 update) by Ksenia Kondrashova (@ksenia-k)
on CodePen.
The Cursors of CSS
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The Cursors! by Chris Coyier (@chriscoyier)
on CodePen.
Sticky/Stretching Cursor
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Sticky/Stretching Cursor by Sikriti Dakua (@dev_loop)
on CodePen.
Custom Dot Cursor
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Custom Dot Cursor by Kyle Brumm (@kjbrum)
on CodePen.
A Gooey Cursor
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A Gooey Cursor by Arun Srinivasan (@satchmorun)
on CodePen.
Ink Cursor
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Ink Cursor by Ricardo Mendieta (@mendieta)
on CodePen.
Sparkle Trail and Dust Cursor
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Sparkle Trail and Dust Cursor by Sarah (@sarahwfox)
on CodePen.
Mutant Cursor
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Mutant Cursor by Rafael González (@rgg)
on CodePen.
Elastic Custom Cursor Following Mouse
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Elastic Custom Cursor Following Mouse (Squeeze and Rotate) w/ JavaScript by Denis Gusev (@gusevdigital)
on CodePen.
Custom Cursor – Circle Follows The Mouse Pointer
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Custom Cursor – Circle Follows The Mouse Pointer by Cojea Gabriel (@gabrielcojea)
on CodePen.
Animated Cursor Interaction
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Animated Cursor Interaction by Sikriti Dakua (@dev_loop)
on CodePen.
Fluid Cursor Webgl
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Fluid cursor webgl by Den (@DedaloD)
on CodePen.
90’s Emoji Cursor
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90’s emoji cursor by Tim Holman (@tholman)
on CodePen.
Test your custom CSS cursors across different browsers and devices. Mobile devices don’t display cursors, so ensure your design works perfectly with touch interactions too. Thanks to all developers and Codepen
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