Cursor: `.cursor/rules/*.mdc` location, format and template

Where Cursor reads project instructions, whether it reads AGENTS.md, and what the format allows. From the official documentation, checked Oct 7, 2026. See also Cursor: pricing, popularity and alternatives.

Project files

.cursor/rules/*.mdc (subfolders allowed)
AGENTS.md at the root and in subfolders

Global (all projects)

User Rules in Cursor settings (stored in the app, not a file); Team Rules from the dashboard on Team and Enterprise plans

AGENTS.md

✓ Yes, at the root and in subfolders.

Format and limits

Project rules must use the .mdc extension; a plain .md file in .cursor/rules is ignored.
Front matter: description, globs, alwaysApply. Always = alwaysApply: true; per file = globs; agent decides = description only; manual = neither, then @-mention the rule.
Keep each rule under 500 lines and split big ones.
Rules don't affect Tab completions.

Sources: cursor.com/docs/context/rules

Templates

Cursor rule for React components.cursor/rules/react-components.mdc

---
description: Conventions for React components
globs: src/components/**/*.tsx
alwaysApply: false
---

- Function components with named exports.
- Props type named `<Component>Props`, declared above the component.
- Styling with the existing Tailwind classes; no inline style objects.
- Each new component gets a test next to it.

AGENTS.md for a TypeScript projectAGENTS.md

# AGENTS.md

## Project
One paragraph: what this repository does and who uses it.

## Commands
- Install: `pnpm install`
- Dev server: `pnpm dev`
- Tests: `pnpm test` (run before you finish)
- Lint and types: `pnpm lint && pnpm typecheck`

## Layout
- `src/app/`: routes and pages
- `src/lib/`: shared logic, no UI code
- `tests/`: mirrors `src/`

## Conventions
- TypeScript strict mode; avoid `any`.
- Follow the patterns already in `src/` before adding new ones.
- Small, focused functions; name things for what they do.

## Boundaries
- Never read or edit `.env*` files or commit secrets.
- Ask before adding a dependency or changing a public API.

## Done means
Tests pass, lint is clean, and the change is explained in the PR description.

Written by AgentGid as a starting point; swap in your own commands and folders.

Cursor: .cursor/rules/*.mdc location, format and template