Understanding the Cursor Interface
Master Cursor's modern interface with AI-powered features, Composer, and advanced codebase context.
Interface Overview
Cursor's interface is built on VS Code but enhanced with powerful AI features. Here's what makes it special:
AI-First Design
- • AI chat always accessible
- • Composer for multi-file editing
- • Context-aware suggestions
- • Smart code completion
Enhanced Development
- • Familiar VS Code layout
- • All VS Code extensions work
- • Advanced codebase understanding
- • Integrated AI tools
Main Interface Components
Activity Bar (Left Side)
The activity bar contains essential navigation and AI features:
Editor Area (Center)
The main editing area with enhanced AI features:
Key Features:
- • AI Code Completion: Real-time suggestions as you type
- • Inline AI Chat: Right-click for context-specific AI help
- • Code Explanation: Hover over code for AI explanations
- • Smart Refactoring: AI-powered code improvements
- • Error Detection: AI identifies potential issues
Sidebar Panels (Right Side)
Additional panels for development tools and AI features:
AI Chat Interface
The AI Chat is your primary interface for interacting with Claude 4.5 Sonnet. Access it with Cmd+L (Mac) or Ctrl+L (Windows/Linux).
Chat Features
Basic Features:
- • Natural language conversations
- • Code generation and explanation
- • Debugging assistance
- • Project-wide context understanding
Advanced Features:
- • @-mentions for files/functions
- • Codebase-wide searches
- • Multi-file operations
- • Context-aware suggestions
Example Chat Prompts
Code Generation:
Create a React hook for managing form state with validationCode Explanation:
Explain this function and suggest improvements: [paste your code]File Reference:
@components/Button.tsx How can I make this button more accessible?Composer Interface
Composer is Cursor's revolutionary multi-file editing feature that understands your entire codebase context.
How Composer Works
Context Understanding:
- • Analyzes entire project structure
- • Understands imports and dependencies
- • Maintains consistency across files
- • Follows project patterns and conventions
Multi-file Operations:
- • Create multiple related files
- • Update existing files together
- • Refactor across the codebase
- • Generate complete features
Composer Examples
Create a complete feature:
Create a user authentication system with:
- Login component
- Register component
- Auth context
- Protected route wrapper
- API functions
- TypeScript typesRefactor existing code:
Refactor the user management system to use Redux Toolkit instead of useState. Update all related components and create the necessary store files.Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
AI Features
Navigation
Interface Customization
Customize Cursor's interface to match your workflow and preferences.
Themes and Appearance
Built-in Themes:
- • Dark+ (default dark)
- • Light+ (default light)
- • High Contrast Dark
- • High Contrast Light
Popular Extensions:
- • One Dark Pro
- • Material Theme
- • Monokai Pro
- • Dracula Official
Layout Customization
Panel Arrangement:
- • Move panels to different sides
- • Resize panels and editor
- • Toggle panel visibility
- • Customize panel order
Editor Settings:
- • Font family and size
- • Line height and spacing
- • Tab size and indentation
- • Word wrap settings
Next Steps
Now that you understand Cursor's interface, learn how to use its AI features effectively: