Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+I (Mac) or Ctrl+I (Windows)

Or click the Composer icon in Cursor.

---

Try this:

"Add a header component to all pages"

Composer:

1. Creates Header.tsx
2. Imports it in all page files
3. Adds styling

Watch it work across files.

---

Common use:

"Move all API calls into a separate services folder"

Composer:

1. Creates services/ folder
2. Moves API logic
3. Updates all imports
4. Tests still work

Saves hours of manual refactoring.

---

Bigger change:

"Add user authentication with login and signup pages"

Composer:

1. Creates auth pages
2. Sets up auth context
3. Adds protected routes
4. Connects to backend

Multiple files, one command.

---

Be Specific

Bad: "Make it better"
Good: "Add error handling to all API calls"

Start Small

Test Composer on small changes first.

Review Changes

Always review what Composer did. It's AI, not magic.

---

Add Dark Mode

"Add dark mode toggle with theme switching"

Add Tests

"Add Jest tests for all components"

Improve Error Handling

"Add try-catch blocks and user-friendly error messages to all API calls"

Refactor Structure

"Reorganize components into feature folders"

---

Use for:

• Adding features across multiple files
• Refactoring code structure
• Updating patterns across codebase
• Adding tests to multiple files

Don't use for:

• Single file edits (use Cmd+K instead)
• Very complex architecture changes
• When you need precise control

---

Cmd+K: Single file, inline edits
Composer: Multi-file, bigger changes

Both are useful. Learn when to use each.

---

Ask Composer:

"Add Google Analytics to all pages and track button clicks"

Composer:

1. Adds GA script to layout
2. Adds tracking to buttons
3. Creates analytics utility
4. Updates multiple components

Done in seconds.

---

Composer Made Mistakes

"Undo the last changes and try again with this approach: [explain]"

Changes Too Broad

Be more specific about which files to edit.

Missing Context

Give Composer more info about your project structure.

---

1. Combo with Cmd+K
Use Composer for big changes, Cmd+K for tweaks.

2. Iterative Approach
Make changes in steps. Review each.

3. Learn from Composer
See how it structures code. Learn patterns.

---

Practice on:

1. Small refactors first
2. Adding simple features
3. Then try bigger changes

You'll be using Composer for everything once you get it.

---

Get started:

• Cursor - Try Composer

---

More Cursor guides:

• Cursor Setup Guide
• Cursor vs Copilot

---

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.