To use Cursor, download the app for Mac, Windows or Linux, sign in and open a project folder. Press Cmd+I on a Mac or Ctrl+I on Windows to open the Agent, then ask it in plain English to explain the code or make a change. Review the diff before you keep anything.
Cursor is a code editor with an AI agent built in. You describe what you want, and the agent reads your files, writes the changes and shows you exactly what it changed. Cursor's own quickstart walks a beginner from install to a first useful edit, and the steps below follow it, with the settings that matter once you're past the basics.
Step 1: Install Cursor and sign in
| System | What Cursor supports |
|---|---|
| Mac | macOS 12 Monterey and later, Apple Silicon and Intel |
| Windows | Windows 10 and later |
| Linux | Debian and Ubuntu, RHEL and Fedora, or a portable AppImage |
Download the installer, open the app and sign in. On Linux, Cursor recommends its apt or yum packages over the AppImage, because they add desktop icons, automatic updates and the command line tools. Then pick a folder. It can be an existing website, a small script or an empty folder for a new project.
Step 2: Ask Cursor to explain your project
Before you change anything, get your bearings. Open the Agent with Cmd+I or Ctrl+I and ask it to explain the codebase. Cursor's own suggested prompt is a good one to copy:
Copy this prompt
Explain this codebase. Point me to the main entry points, key modules, and anything I should read before making changes.
Cursor searches the folder, reads the relevant files and summarises how the project fits together. Cursor describes this as one of the fastest ways to get oriented in code you didn't write, and it's the step most beginners skip.
Step 3: Make one small, safe change
Next, ask Cursor for ideas rather than a rewrite. This prompt, also from Cursor's quickstart, keeps you in control:
Copy this prompt
Suggest three small, safe improvements in this codebase. Explain the tradeoffs and wait for me to choose one.
Pick one and ask Cursor to make it. Good first tasks are low risk, such as fixing a typo in page copy or a small layout issue. If you already know what you want, skip the suggestions and describe the result you want directly, for example make the contact button on the homepage bigger and change its text to Book a call.
Step 4: Review the diff and run your checks
While the agent works, the diff view shows every line it adds or removes. When it finishes, read the diff, then ask Cursor to run the checks your project already uses, such as tests, a type checker, linting or a local build. Don't accept a change you haven't read. That one habit prevents most of the problems people blame on AI coding tools.
Step 5: Use Plan Mode for bigger jobs
For anything that touches several files, press Shift+Tab in the agent input to switch on Plan Mode. Instead of writing code straight away, Cursor will:
- Research your codebase to find the relevant files.
- Ask clarifying questions about what you need.
- Write a detailed implementation plan.
- Wait for your approval before it builds anything.
Plan Mode is the difference between a tidy feature and a sprawling mess. Read the plan, correct anything wrong and only then let it build. For instructions you want Cursor to follow every time, such as use British spelling in all copy or never change the payment code, add them as Rules in the project.
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A terminal-based alternative is explained in my guide to what changed for the Gemini CLI free key.
Undo mistakes with checkpoints
Cursor saves a checkpoint automatically before the Agent makes significant changes. If it takes a wrong turn, click any checkpoint in the chat timeline to preview your files at that point, then restore to put every file back. Restoring only reverts files, not the conversation. Cursor is clear that checkpoints are stored locally and separately from Git, so use them for undoing Agent changes and keep using Git for your permanent version history.
You can also talk to the Agent while it's working. Press Enter to queue your next instruction until the current task finishes, or Cmd+Enter on a Mac, Ctrl+Enter elsewhere, to send it straight away and steer the task in progress.
Cursor's plans have changed
If you last looked at Cursor's pricing a while ago, it's worth a second look. As of October 2026, Cursor's pricing page lists plans that bundle Cursor with Grok features, in US dollars a month:
| Plan | Monthly | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited agent and chat requests |
| Plus | $8 | Shared AI usage pool; only Grok models in Cursor |
| Premium | $30 | Cloud agents and automations, code reviews, third-party models at API list price |
| Super | $100 | 15x the usage of Plus |
| Ultra | $200 | 50x the usage of Plus |
Two details matter before you upgrade. On Plus, Cursor says only Grok models are available. On the higher plans, third-party models are billed separately by usage and aren't included in the monthly price. Prices also exclude taxes such as VAT. Start on Free, see how far the limited requests take you, then decide.
If you are choosing between agents, read how Codex compares with Cursor.
My verdict
Cursor is easiest to learn if you start with explanation, not generation. Ask it to explain the project, make one small change, read the diff and only then move on to Plan Mode for real features. If you're not a developer and just want an app from a description, a browser builder such as those in my vibe coding tools roundup may suit you better. If you're comparing editors, my Cursor vs VS Code guide covers the trade-offs, and my Cursor prompts give you more to copy.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cursor free to use?
Yes, there's a Free plan with limited agent and chat requests, as of October 2026. Paid plans start at $8 a month in US dollars on Cursor's pricing page.
How do I open the AI agent in Cursor?
Press Cmd+I on a Mac or Ctrl+I on Windows and Linux, then type your request.
What is Plan Mode in Cursor?
Plan Mode researches your code, asks questions, writes a plan and waits for your approval before building. Press Shift+Tab in the agent input to switch it on.
Which computers does Cursor run on?
Cursor supports macOS 12 and later, Windows 10 and later, and Linux through Debian, Ubuntu, RHEL, Fedora or an AppImage.
Can I use Claude or GPT models in Cursor?
On Premium and above, third-party models are available at API list price and billed separately by usage. Cursor says the Plus plan only offers Grok models.
