Can I import my VS Code settings into Cursor?

Yes. On first launch, Cursor detects your VS Code installation and prompts you to import extensions, themes, keybindings, settings, and snippets. Click Import to transfer everything in one step. You can also import later from Settings > Import VS Code Configuration. All VS Code extensions work natively in Cursor.

Getting Started with Cursor — Install, Configure, and Code with AI in Minutes

Cursor is ready to use within two minutes of downloading. Install the editor, import your VS Code settings with one click, and start coding with AI-powered Tab completions, Composer multi-file editing, and autonomous agent mode. This guide walks you through every step — from your first download to your first agent-built feature — so you can evaluate Cursor's full capabilities without reading documentation or watching tutorials.

Whether you are migrating from VS Code, trying an AI code editor for the first time, or setting up Cursor for your entire team, this page covers the complete onboarding workflow. Every VS Code extension, theme, keybinding, and snippet transfers in one click. The free Hobby plan requires no credit card and never expires. Start coding with AI immediately.

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Cursor AI code editor first launch screen with VS Code import prompt and AI feature overview

Cursor Quick Start Summary — April 2026

Download for macOS, Windows, or Linux — installer runs in under 60 seconds
One-click import of VS Code extensions, themes, keybindings, settings, and snippets
Tab completions work immediately — start typing and inline suggestions appear
Composer (Ctrl+I / Cmd+I) edits multiple files from natural language instructions
Agent mode plans, codes, runs commands, and iterates on errors autonomously
Free Hobby plan includes limited AI features — no credit card required, no trial expiration
Pro ($20/mo) unlocks unlimited completions, $20 credit pool, and full agent access

Cursor download page showing macOS, Windows, and Linux installer options

Step 1: Download and Install Cursor

Visit the download page and select your operating system. Cursor supports macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), Windows (x64 and ARM), and Linux (AppImage and .deb packages). The installer is under 150 MB on all platforms. On macOS, drag Cursor to Applications. On Windows, run the .exe installer. On Linux, use the AppImage directly or install the .deb package with your package manager.

Cursor installs alongside VS Code — it does not replace or modify your existing VS Code installation. Both editors can run simultaneously on the same machine. Your VS Code projects, Git repositories, and terminal configurations remain untouched. Cursor creates its own settings directory, so there is zero risk to your existing development environment.

Cursor VS Code import dialog showing extensions, themes, and keybindings transfer options

Step 2: Import Your VS Code Settings

On first launch, Cursor detects your VS Code installation and displays an import dialog. Click Import to transfer your extensions, themes, keybindings, user settings, snippets, and workspace configurations. The import process typically completes in 10-30 seconds depending on how many extensions you have installed. Every extension from the VS Code marketplace works natively in Cursor — ESLint, Prettier, GitLens, Docker, language servers, debuggers, and themes all transfer without compatibility issues.

If you skip the import dialog, you can trigger it later from Settings (Ctrl+,) > Import VS Code Configuration. You can also selectively import specific categories — import keybindings without themes, or extensions without user settings. According to VS Code's official documentation, settings profiles are portable across VS Code forks, which is why Cursor achieves near-perfect import fidelity.

Cursor Tab completion suggesting multi-line code with inline accept and reject controls

Steps 3-5: Tab Completion, Composer, and Agent Mode

With Cursor installed and configured, try the three core AI features. First, open any code file and start typing — Tab completion suggestions appear inline as ghost text. Press Tab to accept, Escape to dismiss, or use word-by-word acceptance with Ctrl+Right. Tab completions predict multi-line edits, not just the next token, using context from your imports, function signatures, and surrounding code.

Next, open Composer with Ctrl+I (Cmd+I on macOS). Type a natural language instruction like "add error handling to all API endpoints" and Composer generates changes across multiple files with a diff preview. Accept or reject each change individually. Finally, activate agent mode in the chat panel. Describe a complete task and the agent handles planning, coding, terminal commands, testing, and error iteration autonomously.

Step	Action	Time	Plan Required	Status Check
1	Download and install Cursor	~60 seconds	Any (free)	Cursor launches successfully
2	Import VS Code settings	~15 seconds	Any (free)	Extensions and themes appear
3	Sign in or continue as guest	~10 seconds	Any (free)	Account icon in sidebar
4	Test Tab completion	~30 seconds	Any (free)	Ghost text appears while typing
5	Open Composer (Ctrl+I)	~30 seconds	Any (free)	Composer panel opens with input
6	Run first agent task	~2 minutes	Any (limited on Hobby)	Agent creates files and runs code
7	Create .cursorrules file	~2 minutes	Any (free)	AI follows project conventions
8	Configure keybindings	~1 minute	Any (free)	Custom shortcuts work
9	Install recommended extensions	~2 minutes	Any (free)	Extensions active in sidebar
10	Open integrated terminal	~10 seconds	Any (free)	Terminal responds to commands

Start with Tab Completion

Tab completion is the lowest-friction AI feature. It works automatically as you type — no new shortcuts to learn, no workflow changes required. Spend your first week relying on Tab completions to build familiarity with how the AI interprets your code context. Once Tab completion feels natural, progress to Composer for multi-file edits and agent mode for complex tasks.

Write Clear .cursorrules Early

A .cursorrules file in your project root dramatically improves AI output quality. Define your language preferences, naming conventions, error handling patterns, and testing framework. Rules like "use TypeScript strict mode" or "prefer functional components over class components" ensure every AI response matches your codebase standards from the start.

Use @codebase for Context

When asking questions in the chat panel, prefix with @codebase to give the AI access to your entire project. Instead of copying file contents into the prompt, @codebase lets the AI search your project for relevant context automatically. This produces more accurate answers because the AI sees your real types, imports, and patterns rather than generic examples.

Download Cursor and Start Coding with AI

The complete setup takes less than five minutes. Download Cursor for macOS, Windows, or Linux, import your VS Code settings, and start coding with Tab completions, Composer, and agent mode. The Hobby plan is free forever with no credit card required. Pro at $20/month unlocks unlimited completions and a monthly credit pool. Over 1 million developers already build faster with Cursor.

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How do I install Cursor?

Download Cursor for macOS, Windows, or Linux. Run the installer and launch. The process takes under two minutes. Cursor installs alongside VS Code — it does not replace or modify your existing editor. Both can run simultaneously.

Can I import my VS Code settings?

Yes. On first launch, Cursor prompts you to import extensions, themes, keybindings, settings, and snippets from VS Code. Click Import to transfer everything at once. You can also import selectively or trigger the import later from Settings > Import VS Code Configuration.

What is the first AI feature I should try?

Start with Tab completion. Open a code file and begin typing — inline suggestions appear automatically. Press Tab to accept. Once comfortable, try Composer (Ctrl+I) for multi-file editing and agent mode for autonomous task completion.

Do I need a paid plan to get started?

No. The Hobby plan is free forever — no credit card, no trial expiration. It includes full editor access, VS Code extensions, Git integration, and limited AI features. Upgrade to Pro ($20/mo) for unlimited completions and a credit pool for premium models.

How do I configure Cursor for my project?

Create a .cursorrules file in your project root. Define coding conventions, patterns, and preferences. Cursor reads this file and applies the rules to every AI interaction. Configure keybindings, model preferences, and auto-approve settings in the Settings panel.

Getting Started with Cursor — Install, Configure, and Code with AI in Minutes

Cursor Quick Start Summary — April 2026

Step-by-Step Setup Guide — From Download to First Feature