The Cursor CLI provides powerful command-line tools to integrate Cursor with your development workflow. Open files and folders, manage projects, and streamline your coding process directly from the terminal.

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Installation

Install the CLI commands through Cursor’s Command Palette:
  1. Open the Command Palette (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P)
  2. Type “Install” to filter installation commands
  3. Select and run Shell Command: Install ‘cursor’ command in PATH
  4. Optionally, also run Shell Command: Install ‘code’ command in PATH for VS Code compatibility
The installation adds the commands to your system’s PATH, making them available in any terminal session.

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Basic Usage

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Opening Files and Folders

# Open a single file
cursor file.js

# Open a folder/project
cursor ./my-project

# Open current directory
cursor .

# Open multiple files
cursor file1.js file2.js folder/

# Open with VS Code compatible command
code file.js

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Command Options

The Cursor CLI supports various options to customize how files and folders are opened:
OptionShortDescription
--new-window-nOpen in a new window
--wait-wWait for the window to close before returning
--add-aAdd folder(s) to the last active window
--goto-gGo to line and column (e.g., file.js:10:5)
--diff-dCompare two files side by side
--merge-mPerform a three-way merge
--reuse-window-rForce to open a file or folder in an already opened window
--help-hShow help information
--version-vShow version information

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Advanced Usage

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Opening Files at Specific Lines

Navigate directly to specific lines and columns in your files: 
# Go to line 42
cursor file.js:42

# Go to line 42, column 10
cursor file.js:42:10

# Using the --goto flag
cursor --goto 42:10 file.js

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Working with Multiple Windows

# Open in a new window
cursor -n project-folder/

# Add folder to existing window
cursor -a additional-folder/

# Reuse existing window
cursor -r file.js

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File Comparison and Merging

# Compare two files
cursor --diff file1.js file2.js

# Three-way merge
cursor --merge base.js modified1.js modified2.js

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Waiting for Editor to Close

Useful for git commit messages and other workflows: 
# Wait for editor to close before continuing
cursor --wait commit-message.txt

# Use in git configuration
git config --global core.editor "cursor --wait"

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Integration Examples

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Git Integration

Configure Cursor as your default Git editor: 
# Set as default editor
git config --global core.editor "cursor --wait"

# Set as diff tool
git config --global diff.tool cursor
git config --global difftool.cursor.cmd 'cursor --wait --diff "$LOCAL" "$REMOTE"'

# Set as merge tool
git config --global merge.tool cursor
git config --global mergetool.cursor.cmd 'cursor --wait --merge "$REMOTE" "$LOCAL" "$BASE" "$MERGED"'

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Shell Aliases

Create convenient aliases for common operations: 
# Add to your .bashrc, .zshrc, or equivalent
alias c='cursor'
alias co='cursor .'
alias cn='cursor -n'

# Open current directory in new window
alias cwd='cursor -n .'

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Project Scripts

Integrate with package.json scripts: 
{
  "scripts": {
    "edit": "cursor .",
    "edit:config": "cursor package.json tsconfig.json",
    "edit:src": "cursor src/"
  }
}

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Environment Variables

Cursor CLI respects these environment variables:
VariableDescription
CURSOR_PATHOverride the path to the Cursor executable
CURSOR_USER_DATA_DIRSet custom user data directory
CURSOR_EXTENSIONS_DIRSet custom extensions directory

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Troubleshooting

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VS Code Compatibility

The code command provides full compatibility with VS Code CLI usage: 
# These commands work identically
code file.js
cursor file.js

# All VS Code CLI patterns are supported
code --goto 10:5 file.js
code --diff file1.js file2.js
code --new-window project/
This makes it easy to switch from VS Code to Cursor without changing your existing scripts and workflows.

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Tips and Best Practices

Quick Project Access

Create shell functions for frequently accessed projects:
function work() {
  cursor ~/work/$1
}

Batch Operations

Open multiple related files at once:
cursor src/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}

Integration Scripts

Use the CLI in build scripts and automation:
npm run build && cursor dist/

Remote Development

Combine with SSH for remote editing:
ssh server "cursor /path/to/project"

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See Also

  • Shell Commands - Basic shell command installation
  • Context - Working with files and projects in Cursor
  • Settings - Configuring Cursor preferences