In this lesson, we’ll walk you through the setup process and explore Cursor’s layout and configuration panels. By the end, we’ll be ready to start using its AI features in real projects.

We’ll learn how to:

  • Install Cursor on macOS, Windows, or Linux.

  • Launch the editor and access the start screen options.

  • Navigate the interface using the top bar, side panels, and terminal.

  • Explore key settings such as appearance, privacy, and chat behavior.

  • Choose and configure AI models for personalized suggestions.

  • Use version control and team collaboration tools inside Cursor.

Installing Cursor on your machine

Installing Cursor is quick and straightforward.

Step 1: Download Cursor

Visit the official Cursor website: https://www.cursor.so.

You’ll find installation options for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Choose the version that matches your operating system and download the installer.

Minimum requirements:

  • macOS 10.15 or later (Universal, x64, or Arm64)

  • Windows 10 or 11 (x64 or Arm64)

  • Linux distributions that support AppImage (e.g. Ubuntu 20.04+, Fedora 36+, Debian 11+, Arch)

  • No additional Node.js or Python dependencies required

Step 2: Run the installer

Once the download is complete:

  • macOS: Open the .dmg file and drag the Cursor app into your Applications folder.

  • Windows: Run the .exe installer and follow the prompts.

  • Linux: Follow the CLI-based installation instructions provided on the website or GitHub page (usually via .AppImage or .deb).

Step 3: Launch Cursor

After installation:

  • Open the Cursor application from your system’s application menu.

  • The first time you open it, Cursor may ask for basic permissions and show a short onboarding screen.

Note: Cursor is a modified version of VS Code, so it may prompt you to import some of your existing settings or extensions. You can skip this if you’re starting fresh.

In the next section, we’ll explore the layout of the Cursor and get comfortable navigating around it.

Exploring the Cursor interface

Before diving into specific AI features, let’s first get oriented with the main sections of the Cursor interface. The layout is intentionally clean and minimal, but it hides powerful functionality under a few key panels and controls. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll see when we first open Cursor.

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