Complete guide to Cursor

Getting started

Download Cursor from cursor.com and install it like any code editor; it can import your VS Code settings and extensions automatically. Open your existing project or create a new one. The quickest way to start is simply to write code: Cursor suggests completions with Tab as you type. For bigger changes, open the chat or Composer (the AI panel) and describe in natural language what you want to achieve; Cursor can edit several files at once consistently, not just the one you have open.

Use cases

Advanced setup

1. Adjust the autocomplete delay
   In Cursor Settings → AI → Autocomplete, a 200-300ms delay reduces interruptions while still detecting natural pauses to make suggestions.
2. Disable suggestions for certain files
   You can turn off autocomplete for file types where it adds little (Markdown, configuration YAML) from the same Autocomplete settings.
3. Choose the underlying model
   Cursor lets you choose among several AI models depending on the task (faster vs. more powerful) from the chat or Composer selector.
4. Project Rules
   Define your own project rules (code conventions, patterns to avoid) so the AI follows them consistently across all suggestions.

Tips

• For changes that affect multiple files, use Composer instead of the regular chat: it's designed to coordinate consistent edits across the whole project.
• If Tab distracts you with suggestions in configuration or text files, turn it off only for those file types rather than for the whole editor.
• Define project Rules once (code style, what to avoid) and you won't have to repeat them in every prompt.
• For long, well-defined tasks, try background agents: you can keep working while they run.
• Always review the diff before accepting large changes generated by Composer, especially in critical code.

FAQ