Introduction
Cursor has become the AI code editor of choice for many developers. These 15 tips will help you unlock its full potential and significantly boost your productivity.
Essential Shortcuts
1. Master Cmd+K for Inline Edits
The most powerful shortcut:
- Select code and press Cmd+K
- Describe the change you want
- Review and accept or reject
- Works great for refactoring
2. Use Cmd+L for Context Chat
Chat with full file context:
- Opens chat with current file
- Can reference specific code
- Better than generic chat for code questions
- Apply suggestions directly to code
3. Tab to Accept Autocomplete
Efficient completion workflow:
- Tab accepts suggestion
- Escape dismisses
- Type to refine suggestions
- Cmd+→ accepts word by word
Context Management
4. Use @files for Relevant Context
Add files to chat context:
- Type @filename in chat
- Reference multiple files
- AI considers all context together
- Essential for cross-file changes
5. Reference @docs for Documentation
Include documentation:
- @docs for project docs
- Specify framework docs
- Reduces hallucination
- Get accurate API suggestions
6. Use @codebase for Project-Wide Context
Search entire codebase:
- Finds relevant code across project
- Understands project patterns
- Good for "where is X defined"
- Slower but more comprehensive
Advanced Features
7. Composer for Multi-File Changes
Complex refactoring made easy:
- Cmd+Shift+I opens Composer
- Make changes across multiple files
- Preview all changes before applying
- Better for architectural changes
8. Custom System Prompts
Configure AI behaviour:
- Settings → Rules for AI
- Define coding standards
- Set preferred patterns
- Include project-specific context
9. Privacy Mode for Sensitive Code
When working with confidential code:
- Enable privacy mode in settings
- Code not stored on Cursor servers
- Consider for client projects
- Slight functionality trade-off
Productivity Workflows
10. Test-First with AI
Efficient TDD workflow:
- Write test description in comment
- Let AI generate test
- Then ask AI to implement to pass test
- Higher quality code with verification
11. Review and Explain Code
Use AI for code review:
- Select code, ask "review this"
- Get suggestions for improvements
- Ask for explanation of complex code
- Identify potential bugs
12. Generate Documentation
Automate documentation:
- Select function, ask for JSDoc/docstring
- Generate README sections
- Create API documentation
- Keep docs updated as code changes
Optimisation Tips
13. Be Specific in Prompts
Better prompts, better code:
- Mention language and framework
- Specify error handling preferences
- Include edge cases to handle
- Reference existing patterns in codebase
14. Iterate Rather Than Restart
Build on AI responses:
- Continue conversation for refinements
- Say "also add..." rather than new prompt
- AI remembers context
- More efficient than starting over
15. Verify AI Output
Trust but verify:
- Review generated code carefully
- Run tests before committing
- Check for deprecated patterns
- AI can make subtle errors
Conclusion
Cursor dramatically increases productivity when used effectively. Master these shortcuts and workflows, and you'll find AI assistance becoming a natural extension of your coding process.
