The cursor property in CSS specifies the mouse cursor to be displayed when pointing over an element. It is a vital part of User Experience (UX), providing immediate visual feedback about what interaction is possible.

Common Cursor Types

The most frequently used values include:

• default: The standard arrow.
• pointer: A pointing hand, used for links and buttons.
• text: The I-beam, used for selectable text.
• move: Indicates an element can be moved.
• not-allowed: A circle with a slash, indicating an action is prohibited.

Custom Cursors

You can define your own cursors using the url() function. It allows you to load an image to be used as the cursor.

Important: You must always specify a fallback keyword (like auto) at the end of the list, otherwise the custom cursor will be ignored.

Best Practices

Don't remove the pointer cursor from links or buttons, as users rely on it to know what is clickable. Conversely, don't put pointer on non-interactive elements, as it confuses users. Use wait or progress for loading states to prevent user frustration.