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Supported Formats
Convert between all major file formats with high quality
Web Formats
Joint Photographic Experts Group - the most universal image format for photographs using lossy compression. Reduces file sizes 90-95% with minimal visible quality loss. No transparency support. Perfect for photos, web images, email attachments, and any scenario requiring small file sizes. Adjustable quality levels from 1-100. Standard since 1992 with universal device and software support. Ideal for photographs and complex images with many colors.
Portable Network Graphics - lossless image format supporting transparency and 16 million colors. Larger files than JPEG but perfect quality preservation. Supports alpha channel for smooth transparency. Excellent for logos, graphics with text, screenshots, and images requiring transparency. Better compression than GIF for photos. Perfect for web graphics, UI elements, and any image needing lossless quality or transparency. Standard format for web graphics since 1996.
Web Picture format - modern image format by Google providing 25-35% smaller files than JPEG at equivalent quality. Supports both lossy and lossless compression plus transparency. Superior compression algorithms reducing bandwidth usage. Native browser support (96%+ coverage). Perfect for website optimization, web images, and reducing page load times. Combines best features of JPEG, PNG, and GIF. Recommended for modern web development.
Graphics Interchange Format - image format supporting animation and transparency with 256-color limitation. Small file sizes for simple images. Perfect for simple animations, emojis, memes, and graphics with few colors. Lossless for limited palette. Inefficient for photographs (use JPEG) or high-color graphics (use PNG). Universal support since 1987. Standard format for simple web animations and reaction images.
Scalable Vector Graphics - XML-based vector format rendering perfectly at any size. Infinitely scalable without quality loss or pixelation. Small file sizes for geometric shapes and illustrations. Editable with text editors and design software. Perfect for logos, icons, diagrams, and graphics requiring scaling. Supports animation and interactivity. Standard for responsive web graphics and resolution-independent designs. Essential format for modern web icons.
Icon File Format - specialized format for Windows icons containing multiple image sizes (16x16 to 256x256 pixels). Single file provides icons for all display resolutions. Used for favicons, application icons, and Windows shell icons. Supports transparency and multiple color depths. Perfect for website favicons, Windows program icons, and shortcut icons. Standard format for Windows icons since Windows 1.0. Essential for professional Windows applications.
AV1 Image File Format - next-generation image format based on AV1 video codec providing better compression than WebP and JPEG. 20-50% smaller files at equivalent quality. Supports HDR, wide color gamut, and transparency. Cutting-edge compression technology. Growing browser support (85%+ and increasing). Perfect for future-proof web images and maximum efficiency. Better quality at smaller sizes than any previous format. Recommended for modern websites prioritizing performance.
Bitmap Image File - uncompressed raster format from Microsoft providing pixel-perfect quality with large file sizes. No compression means huge files (1MB+ for screenshots). Fast to load and display. Simple format with universal Windows support. Perfect for temporary graphics, screen captures, and scenarios where compression artifacts are unacceptable. Legacy format largely replaced by PNG. Convert to PNG or JPEG for practical use and storage.
Tagged Image File Format - flexible format supporting multiple pages, layers, and various compression methods. Industry standard for professional photography, publishing, and archival. Supports lossless compression, 16-bit color depth, and extensive metadata. Large file sizes but excellent quality. Perfect for print publishing, photo archival, professional photography, and scenarios requiring maximum quality and flexibility. Used in medical imaging and professional scanning.
Professional Formats
Photoshop Document - Adobe Photoshop's native format preserving layers, effects, masks, and all editing capabilities. Supports 16-bit and 32-bit color depths for professional work. Large file sizes due to layer data and editing information. Perfect for ongoing design projects, professional photo editing, and collaborative design work. Not suitable for final output (export to JPEG/PNG). Essential format for professional graphic design and photo manipulation workflows. Industry standard for design files.
OpenEXR - high dynamic range image format developed by Industrial Light & Magic for visual effects and animation. Stores 16-bit or 32-bit floating-point values per channel enabling enormous dynamic range. Supports multiple layers, arbitrary channels, and lossless/lossy compression. Industry standard for VFX, CGI, and professional 3D rendering. Perfect for HDR photography, compositing, and scenarios requiring maximum color precision. Used extensively in film production and high-end visual effects.
High Dynamic Range Image - format storing luminance and color information with greater range than standard images. Captures and displays brightness levels impossible in JPEG/PNG. Uses 32-bit floating-point encoding. Perfect for realistic lighting in 3D rendering, environment maps, and HDR photography. Common in game development and architectural visualization. Enables realistic tone mapping and exposure adjustment. Essential for professional lighting workflows.
DirectDraw Surface - Microsoft texture format for games and 3D applications supporting compressed textures and mipmaps. Optimized for GPU loading with hardware-accelerated decompression. Stores multiple resolution levels (mipmaps) in single file. Standard format for game textures (DirectX, Unity, Unreal). Supports various compression algorithms (DXT1, DXT5, BC7). Perfect for game development, 3D modeling, and real-time rendering. Essential format for game asset pipelines.
Truevision TGA/Targa - raster graphics format supporting 8-32 bits per pixel with alpha channel. Uncompressed or RLE compressed for fast loading. Standard format for video editing, animation, and texture mapping. Excellent color accuracy with optional lossless compression. Perfect for video frame sequences, animation frames, and game textures. Widely supported in 3D software and video editing applications. Reliable format for professional media production.
JPEG 2000 - advanced image format using wavelet compression providing better quality than JPEG at equivalent file sizes. Supports lossless and lossy compression, progressive decoding, and ROI coding. Used in medical imaging, digital cinema, and archival. Better compression artifacts than JPEG. Slower encoding/decoding. Perfect for medical imaging, digital preservation, and applications requiring superior compression. Limited web browser support.
JPEG Stereo - stereoscopic 3D image format storing left and right eye views side-by-side or top-bottom. Based on standard JPEG with special arrangement for 3D viewing. Used for 3D photography, VR content, and stereoscopic displays. Compatible with 3D TVs and VR headsets. Perfect for 3D photography, stereoscopic content creation, and VR/AR applications. Requires special viewing equipment for proper 3D effect.
Portable Float Map - floating-point image format storing HDR color data. Simple format with 32-bit float values per channel. Used in computer graphics for HDR images and height maps. Uncompressed format with large file sizes. Perfect for HDR photography processing, displacement maps, and scientific imaging. Common in 3D rendering and simulation applications. Alternative to OpenEXR for simple HDR storage.
Flexible Image Transport System - scientific image format used primarily in astronomy. Stores astronomical images with extensive metadata headers. Supports multiple data arrays and tables. Standard format for astronomical data archives. Perfect for astronomical imaging, scientific data exchange, and research applications. Used by major observatories and space agencies worldwide. Essential format for astronomical research and data sharing.
How to Convert Files
Upload your files, select output format, and download converted files instantly. Our converter supports batch conversion and maintains high quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CUR file and why is it used for Windows mouse cursors?
A CUR file is the Windows Cursor format, a specialized image file that stores custom mouse pointers used by Microsoft Windows. It is closely related to the ICO icon format and shares most of its internal structure but includes additional metadata that defines the cursor hotspot-the exact pixel where the mouse click is registered.
CUR files allow Windows to use themed, animated, or static cursor graphics for different pointer states such as normal select, text input, precision selection, resizing handles, or busy indicators. Developers, designers, and theme creators use CUR files to customize UI interaction beyond the default system pointers.
How is a CUR file structured internally?
The CUR format is almost identical to ICO but includes hotspot coordinates:
ICONDIR Header
The header indicates the file type (1 for ICO, 2 for CUR), number of images, and metadata shared across cursor variations.
ICONDIRENTRY Records
Each entry stores width, height, color depth, and size of the image resource, plus the cursor hotspot location.
Hotspot Coordinates
The hotspot (x, y) defines the precise click point of the cursor, usually the tip of the arrow or crosshair.
Embedded BMP or PNG
CUR files contain pixel data stored as uncompressed BMP or modern PNG for alpha transparency.
Because CUR files follow the ICO structure, many icon editing tools automatically support cursor creation.
Where are CUR files typically used?
CUR files are widely used throughout Windows UI design and customization:
User Interface Themes
Custom themes and Windows personalization packs rely on CUR files for unique pointer visuals.
Software Development
Applications embed CUR files for custom cursor behavior within apps or games.
Graphic Design & UI Kits
Designers create cursor sets for accessibility, branding, or stylized user experiences.
Operating System Defaults
Windows includes many official CUR files for resizing, text selection, help pointers, and busy indicators.
Customization Communities
Cursor packs shared online are typically distributed as CUR or ANI files.
Interactive Editing Software
Graphic tools and CAD applications assign CUR pointers for precision, crop, or selection tools.
Cross-Platform Ports
Software that mimics Windows UI often includes CUR-based cursor assets.
CUR remains a core component of Windows user interaction and branding.
Why do some CUR files fail to load in Windows or design tools?
Some CUR files contain PNG-encoded images, which older versions of Windows do not support.
Invalid hotspot coordinates may cause corrupted or invisible cursor behavior.
If the file structure mimics ICO too closely without proper cursor fields, Windows may reject it.
How does CUR compare to ICO, ANI, and PNG?
ICO and CUR are structurally identical except CUR adds hotspot coordinates.
ANI is used for animated cursors, containing multiple CUR or ICO frames inside a RIFF container.
PNG can store cursor graphics but lacks hotspot and multi-size support unless embedded in CUR.
Does CUR support alpha transparency, high resolution, or color depth?
Yes-CUR files support full alpha transparency when using embedded PNG resources.
Modern CUR files support high DPI versions, including 32×32, 48×48, 128×128, and even 256×256 cursors.
Color depth ranges from 1-bit monochrome to 32-bit RGBA depending on the embedded image format.
Why do some CUR files appear pixelated or misaligned?
Low-resolution variants may be used by Windows when high-DPI images are missing.
Incorrect hotspot placement makes the cursor appear offset from user actions.
Poor scaling from embedded BMP images can cause jagged edges on modern displays.
Why do CUR conversions sometimes fail?
CUR conversion issues often result from ICO-like similarities and hotspot dependencies:
Missing or Invalid Hotspot
Without correct hotspot values, the cursor may be unusable or render incorrectly.
Unsupported PNG Compression
Some legacy tools cannot decode XML-based or filter-heavy PNG chunks inside CUR files.
Incorrect Header Identification
If the 'type' field remains set to ICO instead of CUR, conversion tools may fail.
Oversized Images
Older Windows versions cannot handle CUR images larger than 32×32 or 48×48.
Color Depth Limitations
Legacy apps expect specific palette formats and may reject 32-bit RGBA cursors.
Using dedicated cursor editors ensures accurate hotspot placement and compatibility.
Does CUR support metadata like EXIF, DPI, or layers?
CUR files do not include EXIF or DPI metadata-cursor rendering relies solely on internal image sizes.
No layers or Photoshop-like structures exist in CUR files.
The only metadata included relates to hotspot position and image dimensions.
When is the CUR format still useful today?
CUR remains a reliable cursor format across all Windows systems:
Custom Windows Themes
Users replace default mouse pointers with CUR-based designs.
Software UI Enhancements
Applications embed CUR files for tool-specific cursors within programs.
Game Engines and Editors
Many engines use CUR for Windows-native cursor rendering.
Precision Tools
CUR enables hotspots tailored to pixel-perfect workflows.
Cross-Platform Resources
CUR files can be used in Linux desktops via conversion into Xcursor formats.
Icon-to-Cursor Reuse
Because CUR is nearly identical to ICO, designers reuse assets efficiently.
Backward Compatibility
CUR works consistently across all Windows versions back to Windows 95.
Accessibility Tools
High-contrast cursors are often distributed as CUR for accessibility settings.
Low-Resolution Environment Support
Older Windows systems with limited display capabilities rely on CUR for proper pointer rendering.
Retro UI Preservation
Classic Windows themes and pointer sets are preserved in CUR format.
Why do some CUR files load slowly?
Large PNG-based cursors require more decoding time on older Windows versions.
Hotspot validation occurs before the cursor is displayed, adding overhead.
Cursor packs with multiple resolutions may require Windows to select and load the best match.
How large can CUR files be?
Typical CUR files range from 1 KB to 50 KB when using BMP-based resources.
High-resolution PNG-based CUR files can reach 200–500 KB.
Very large CUR files often include multiple embedded image sizes or high-DPI PNGs.
Does CUR support multiple cursor images?
Yes-like ICO, a CUR file may contain several image sizes within the same file.
Windows automatically selects the best resolution based on DPI settings.
However, CUR files cannot contain animated frames; animation requires ANI.
Why do some CUR files appear corrupted?
If the hotspot coordinates exceed the image size, the cursor becomes invalid.
Poorly exported files may leave the type field set to ICO instead of CUR.
Malformed PNG chunks cause partial rendering or complete failure in older systems.
Is the CUR format still relevant today?
Absolutely-CUR remains the standard static cursor format across all modern Windows versions.
Its ICO-based structure ensures compatibility with countless design tools and UI systems.
Even with high-DPI and modern themes, CUR remains essential for creating custom and professional mouse pointers.
About the CUR Format
CUR is a file format used in specific workflows. The exact characteristics depend on the implementation and chosen settings.
- Format Type
- File format
- Origin
- Industry-developed format
- Common Uses
- Various applications that support CUR
- Compression
- Depends on implementation
Sources and References
Format details on this page are based on the official specifications and documentation below.
- Image file type and format guide- MDN Web Docs