| Version | 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | G.D.G. Software |
| Release date | Mar 3, 2011 |
| Date added | Mar 3, 2011 |
| Os requirements | Windows 95, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows XP, Windows NT |
| Requirements | None |
| Total downloads | 44,820 |
| Price | Free |
Description
AniTuner lets you create, edit and convert Windows animated cursors (.ani files); use animated cursors to customize the appearance of Windows (desktop themes), or convert and insert them as animations in Web pages, e-mails, documents, manuals or even applications. AniTuner can create animated cursors from animated GIF and AVI; import existing images (BMP, GIF, PNG, PSD, CUR, ICO) to turn them into cursors or animated cursors; add/edit/remove/move frames, change their duration with real preview; export animated cursors to animated GIF, AVI, static BMP and Flash SWF. AniTuner handles all cursor sizes (not only 32x32) and color depths (from 1bpp to 32bpp). Special support for 32-bit cursors with a 8-bit alpha channel (Windows XP cursors). The package includes a context-sensitive help file, an online animated tutorial in Flash format, some sample animated cursors.
Review
Lacking any way to edit cursors, this free cursor utility works more like a conversion tool. On those grounds, it's pretty effective. AniTuner imports images in most popular formats and converts AVI files and GIF animations into animated cursors and back. You can create a semitransparent shadow for Windows XP and set color format between 2 and 32 bits with preview. The interface is far from perfect (for even a simple action you have to open a few menus and click a few buttons), but the program itself works well within its narrow bounds. To edit a frame of your cursor, you'll have to use Photoshop, ImageReady, or some other external image editor and load the frame back into AniTuner. Professionals and serious amateurs will want something else, but dabblers will appreciate AniTuner's simple operation, compact size, and freeware price.
