Mastering Cursor: A Guide to Setup and Key Features of the AI Editor

20 August 20261 views

We explain how to install Cursor, start working with autocomplete, and use natural language commands to edit code. We also show how to quickly migrate settings from VS Code and refine context for more accurate suggestions.

Mastering Cursor: A Guide to Setup and Key Features of the AI Editor

What makes this editor special

Cursor is a code editor where AI is involved at every step: it predicts changes, finds issues in your project, and accepts commands in natural language. If you're coming from VS Code, it won't intimidate you: extensions, themes, and keyboard shortcuts remain familiar. Privacy is also well thought out — your code is not stored on the platform's side.

Installation: where to start

You can download the editor through the AI tools catalog. On aipure.ai, find the Cursor card and click "Visit Website" — it will open the download page with installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. From there, it's standard:

  • install the app;
  • launch it;
  • sign in to your account or create a new one.

[[image: installer download window and Visit Website button]]

How to use autocomplete

When you open a file and start typing, Cursor suggests code continuations. This isn't just variable autocompletion, but prediction of entire edits with context awareness. If the suggestion fits, press Tab to accept it and keep writing. This way, routine code snippets are created faster, and your attention stays on the logic of the solution.

Edits in natural language

The main reason to try this editor is commands in plain words. Select a code fragment and describe the desired change in English, for example: "Update this function to handle errors more gracefully". Cursor turns that phrase into concrete code, and all you have to do is review the result and, if needed, refine your request. You don't need to remember exact method names and syntax — just articulate your intent.

Questions about the codebase

Cursor understands not just individual lines, but an entire project. You can ask "Is there a bug here?" about a selected section — and get an explanation of the issue. To provide more context, use Ctrl+Shift+L or the @ symbol: this adds the relevant code fragments to your request. This helps you quickly navigate unfamiliar code and spot weak points before you even run it.

Migrating settings from VS Code

Those used to VS Code won't have to set everything up from scratch. On first launch, Cursor will offer to import extensions, themes, and keyboard shortcuts — just one click. The plugins you used for formatting and linting will keep working, and your keyboard shortcuts will stay the same.

Where to find documentation and help

On the Cursor website, there are dedicated tabs for different needs: Pricing, Features, Forum, and Docs. The documentation contains setup examples and usage scenarios, and the forum has community answers. Before purchasing, it's worth checking Pricing to understand which plan fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions