How to Use Cursor AI (Full Tutorial For Beginners 2025)

Overview

This guide follows the exact steps shown in Dr Alex Young’s 2025 tutorial. It covers downloading Cursor, creating a new project, exploring the interface, and configuring key settings to get the most out of the AI coding experience.

Prerequisites

• A computer running macOS or Windows.
• Internet connection for downloads and AI requests.
• (Optional) A GitHub account if you plan to sync code.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Download and Install Cursor

1. Open a browser and go to cursor.com.
2. Click Download for Mac or Download for Windows.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts.
4. Launch Cursor after installation.

2. Sign In and Choose a Plan

1. On first launch, sign in with Google, GitHub, or email.
2. Select the Free tier to start (or upgrade to Pro for unlimited requests).

3. Create a New Project

1. In Cursor, click Open Project.
2. Choose a location (e.g., ~/Downloads/test-project).
3. Click Create and then Open.

4. Explore the Interface

• Left Sidebar – Project file tree.
• Right Sidebar – AI chat panel.
• Top Tabs – Open files and settings.
• Bottom Panel – Source control (GitHub integration).

5. Configure Settings

1. Open Settings via the gear icon or Ctrl+,.
2. Appearance: Set dark mode, font size, etc.
3. Privacy Mode: Enable if you want code kept local.
4. AI Models: Ensure Claude 3.7 Sonnet or Gemini 2.5 Pro Max is active.
5. Auto‑Run Mode: Turn Off for beginners to review each change.
6. Web Search: Enable in beta to allow the AI to fetch examples.

6. Use the Chat Interface

1. Type a natural‑language request in the chat (e.g., "Create a React component that displays a user profile").
2. The AI will generate code and display it in the editor.
3. Press Tab to accept a suggestion or Esc to reject.

7. Switch Between Modes

• Agent Mode (default): AI writes new code.
• Ask Mode: Ask questions about existing code (e.g., "Where is the authentication function?").
• Manual Mode: Write code yourself and let the AI assist selectively.

8. Manage Your Project

• Use the Source Control panel to commit and push to GitHub.
• Use the Terminal (bottom panel) to run npm run dev or other commands.

Tips & Gotchas

• Auto‑Run Mode: Keep it off until you’re comfortable; it can generate unwanted changes.
• Model Choice: Claude 3.7 Sonnet usually gives the best balance of speed and quality.
• Privacy: If you’re working on sensitive code, enable Privacy Mode to keep data local.
• Web Search: Enable only if you need external examples; it may slow down responses.
• File Indexing: Wait for the indexing bar to finish before asking complex questions.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Tab to accept, Esc to reject, Ctrl+K to edit a selected block.

Happy coding with Cursor AI!