Cursor
by Anysphere
Getting-started guide
An AI-first code editor that understands your whole project and edits across files as you describe what you want.
Current prices: Free, from $8/mo · See all plans
Last reviewed 2026-07-13 · for Cursor
You install Cursor as a desktop app, open a project, and work as you would in VS Code. Alongside the editor you can chat with the codebase, accept suggestions as you type, or describe a change and let the agent edit the files for you — then read what it changed and accept or reject it.
Cursor is a code editor built around AI — it's a fork of VS Code, so it looks and works like the editor many developers already know, with AI woven through it. Beyond autocomplete, you can describe a change in plain English and its agent edits across multiple files, and it can reason about your whole codebase, not just the file you're in. It's aimed at people who write code regularly; a total beginner can use it, but it assumes you're working in a real project.
The free Hobby plan needs no card and includes a short trial of the paid features plus limited ongoing use — enough to decide whether an AI-first editor fits how you work. Pro is a flat monthly plan; current prices are on its Launchpad page.
**Download Cursor only from cursor.com.** Cursor has no authorized resellers; a "Cursor subscription" sold anywhere else may be fraudulent and can get the account suspended.
The free tier restricts context to the current file (no whole-codebase indexing or the multi-file agent) — enough to try the editor, not to feel its main advantage.
Ownership note: Cursor's maker, Anysphere, agreed in 2026 to be acquired by SpaceX (tying it into the xAI/Grok orbit). As of this review the deal is pending and hasn't changed the product, pricing, or how your data is handled — but if a change of control matters to you, watch for updated terms.
To help you, Cursor sends the code it's working with to its servers and its AI model providers. On a personal project that's usually fine; on a work codebase, check your employer's policy first.
The AI can be confidently wrong — it will suggest code that looks right and doesn't work, or that carries a subtle bug. You're still the author: read what the agent writes before you accept it, especially on multi-file edits.
Install Cursor from cursor.com, open an existing project folder (or a fresh one), and sign in. It'll feel like VS Code.
Why this one: Everything depends on this, and the official site is the only safe source.
Tweak: Already use VS Code? You can import your settings and extensions.
In settings, enable Privacy Mode so your code isn't retained or used for training by the model providers.
Why this one: It's the one setting to decide deliberately before you point it at anything real.
Tweak: On a team plan, an admin can enforce this for everyone.
Use the free tier's trial and limited usage to try the agent and codebase chat before paying.
Why this one: You can judge the AI-first workflow at zero cost.
Tweak: Students had a discounted route historically — check current offers before paying.
Explain what this file does in plain English. Then add input validation to the main function and write a quick test for it.
Why this one: Uses the two things Cursor does best at once — understanding your code and editing it from a description.
Tweak: Point it at a small real file you already have.
Want the full picture first? See the Cursor overview for pricing, the free tier and related tools.
