Module 1.2: Using Cursor’s Interface
Reference Guide
- Time to Complete: 20-25 minutes
- Prerequisites: Cursor installed (Module 0.1)
Start this module in Cursor: Run
/start-1-2to begin the interactive lesson.
Overview
Cursor has three main workflows for working with AI: Chat (quick questions), Composer (multi-file edits), and Cmd K (inline edits). Learn when to use each one and how to reference files with @ mentions.
Key takeaway: Chat for exploration, Composer for creation, Cmd K for quick fixes.
The Three-Pane Layout
Cursor’s workspace has three main areas:
- Left: File explorer (Cmd/Ctrl+B to toggle)
- Middle: Editor pane (where you write and view files)
- Right: AI Pane (Chat or Composer - where you talk to Claude)
You can also open a terminal at the bottom with Ctrl+` (backtick).
The Three Workflows
Chat (Cmd+L)
What it does: Opens a sidebar for quick questions and exploration. Think of it as asking a colleague for help.
When to use:
- Asking questions about code or files
- Quick explanations
- Exploring ideas before committing
- Analyzing existing content
How it works:
- Opens in the right sidebar
- Doesn’t automatically edit files (you review suggestions first)
- Best for one-off questions
Composer (Cmd+I)
What it does: Opens a full panel for creating or editing multiple files at once. Think of it as collaborative document editing.
When to use:
- Writing PRDs, specs, or documentation
- Creating new files from scratch
- Editing multiple related files
- Complex tasks requiring planning
How it works:
- Opens as a full panel (can be opened as a tab or sidebar)
- Can edit multiple files in one session
- Shows diffs before applying changes
- Best for substantial work
Cmd K (Inline Editing)
What it does: Quick inline edits right where your cursor is. Think of it as a smart find-and-replace.
When to use:
- Fixing typos
- Rephrasing sentences
- Quick tactical edits
- Single-file changes
How it works:
- Press Cmd/Ctrl+K with cursor in a file
- Type instruction (e.g., “fix this typo”)
- Shows diff inline
- Scoped to current file only
Quick Comparison Table
| Workflow | Shortcut | Scope | Best For | Edits Files? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chat | Cmd+L | Single/multiple files | Questions, analysis | No (suggests only) |
| Composer | Cmd+I | Multiple files | Creating, planning, multi-file edits | Yes (with review) |
| Cmd K | Cmd+K | Current file only | Quick fixes, rephrasing | Yes (inline) |
Referencing Files with @ Mentions
There are three ways to give Claude context about files:
1. @ Mentions (Most Common)
Type @ in the chat input to bring up context options:
@Files- Reference specific files (e.g.,@PRD.md)@Folders- Reference entire folders (e.g.,@company-context)@Web- Search the web for context@Code- Reference code symbols@Git- Reference Git commits or branches
Example: “Tell me about @COMPANY.md”
2. Drag Files
Click and drag files from the file explorer directly into the chat input box. Creates the same file reference as @ mentions.
When to use: When you’re already browsing files and prefer a visual approach.
3. “Add to Chat” (Specific Text)
Highlight text in the editor, then click “Add to Chat” button that appears. Use this for quoting specific sections, not entire files.
When to use: Referencing user feedback quotes, specific excerpts, or particular paragraphs.
Markdown Preview & Editing
Preview Mode: Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+V to toggle between raw Markdown and formatted preview.
WYSIWYG Editor (Optional):
- Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+P → “Extensions: Install Extensions”
- Search for “Markdown Editor” by zaaack
- Install it
- Use Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Alt/Opt+M to edit Markdown like Google Docs
Note: WYSIWYG editor is optional - preview mode works fine for most PM work.
AI Model Selector
Located at the bottom of the AI Pane (Chat or Composer). Click the dropdown to switch between models (Claude Sonnet, GPT-4, etc.).
Recommendation: Use the latest Claude Sonnet model for PM work. It’s the best balance of quality and speed. You’ll rarely hit usage limits doing PRDs and documentation.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Open Chat | Cmd+L | Ctrl+L |
| Open Composer | Cmd+I | Ctrl+I |
| Inline Edit | Cmd+K | Ctrl+K |
| Toggle File Explorer | Cmd+B | Ctrl+B |
| Markdown Preview | Cmd+Shift+V | Ctrl+Shift+V |
| Command Palette | Cmd+Shift+P | Ctrl+Shift+P |
| Open Terminal | Ctrl+` | Ctrl+` |
Troubleshooting
”I can’t see the AI Pane”
Fix: Press Cmd/Ctrl+L to open Chat or Cmd/Ctrl+I to open Composer.
”@ mentions aren’t showing up”
Fix: Make sure you’re typing in the chat input box (not the editor). Type @ and wait a moment for the menu to appear.
”Markdown preview isn’t working”
Fix: Make sure you have a .md file open in the editor, then press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+V. Only works with Markdown files.
”Cmd K does nothing”
Fix: Make sure your cursor is actively in a file in the editor (click in the file first), then press Cmd/Ctrl+K.
Resources
Official:
- Cursor - Official website
- Cursor Docs - Official documentation
- Cursor Forum - Community support and discussions
What’s Next?
Module 1.2 complete:
- ✅ Understand the three-pane layout
- ✅ Know when to use Chat vs Composer vs Cmd K
- ✅ Can reference files with @ mentions
- ✅ Understand Markdown preview and editing
Next: Module 1.3 - First PM Task
You’ll use these interface skills to complete your first real PM task at TaskFlow.
Ready? Type /start-1-3 in a new Composer tab.