Install Cursor
Set up Cursor as your AI-powered code editor
What is Cursor?
Cursor is a code editor (VS Code fork) with built-in AI assistance. It uses Claude and other models for code generation, chat, and inline editing. Most VS Code extensions work in Cursor.
Install
- Download from cursor.com
- Open the installer and follow the prompts
- Import your VS Code settings and extensions when asked (optional)
Available on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Free Hobby plan included; Pro plan ($20/mo) adds more fast requests.
Source: cursor.com/pricing
First-time configuration
Select a model
Open Settings > Models and enable Claude (Sonnet or Opus). Cursor supports multiple providers including OpenAI and Google.
Agent mode vs Ask mode
- Agent mode: reads, writes, and runs code (full power)
- Ask mode: read-only, answers questions without changing files
Use Ask mode for exploration, Agent mode for implementation.
Key shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Cmd+L | Open chat panel |
Cmd+K | Inline edit at cursor |
Cmd+I | Open Composer (multi-file agent) |
Tab | Accept AI suggestion |
Cmd+Shift+J | Toggle terminal |
Add project rules
Create .cursor/rules/ to give the AI persistent instructions. See the "Set Up .cursorrules" tutorial.
CLAUDE.md works here too
Cursor reads CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md files from your project root, just like Claude Code. One file gives context to both tools.