10 Cursor Tips to Code 3x Faster 2026

TL;DR: 10 proven tips to get more out of your AI tools. Each tip includes exactly what to do.

1. Use Cmd+K for inline edits

Select code and press Cmd+K to describe changes in plain English. Cursor edits in place.

2. Use Composer for multi-file changes

Composer understands your entire project. Ask it to refactor across multiple files at once.

3. Add .cursorrules file

Create a .cursorrules file in your project root with coding standards. Cursor follows them in every suggestion.

4. Use @ to reference files

In chat, type @filename to give Cursor context about specific files. It reads and understands them.

5. Accept partial suggestions

Press Tab to accept the full suggestion, or use Cmd+Right to accept word by word.

6. Use natural language for debugging

Describe the bug in plain English. Cursor searches your codebase and suggests fixes.

7. Generate tests automatically

Select a function and ask: ‘Write comprehensive unit tests for this function.’

8. Use Cursor for documentation

Ask Cursor to generate JSDoc, docstrings, or README content based on your actual code.

9. Review AI changes carefully

Always review Cursor’s suggestions. It is fast but not infallible. You are the final reviewer.

10. Learn keyboard shortcuts

Cmd+L (chat), Cmd+K (edit), Tab (accept), Cmd+Shift+I (Composer). These 4 shortcuts handle everything.