How to use Cursor: rules, MCP and plans

Updated Oct 26, 2026 · Sources listed at the end

Cursor is an AI code editor built around an agent: you describe a change in chat, and the agent plans it, edits files and runs commands in your project. Download the app, open your project folder, and start with a small, well-defined request.¹

Make the agent consistent with rules

Put project conventions in .cursor/rules/*.mdc (or an AGENTS.md file). Rules can always apply, apply when relevant, apply to matching files, or be invoked with an @-mention. See Cursor rules.²

Connect tools with MCP

Install MCP servers from Cursor’s marketplace or define them in .cursor/mcp.json. See Cursor MCP setup.³

Know what you are paying for

Cursor’s pricing page (checked 26 Oct 2026) lists Free, Plus ($8, Grok models only), Premium ($30), Super ($100), Ultra ($200), Teams ($30+/user) and Enterprise. Third-party model usage is billed separately on top of the plan.⁴ Details in Cursor plans explained.

Keep your data settings in mind

Cursor’s Privacy Mode is available on free and paid plans; when enabled, Cursor says it will not train on your data.⁵

Cursor plans (from Anysphere's pricing page)

Checked Oct 26, 2026. Re-checked 2026-10-26 (rendered page): Free $0, Plus $8 (Grok models only), Premium $30 (4x Plus), Super $100 (15x), Ultra $200 (50x), Teams $30+/user/month, Enterprise custom. The comparison table also lists X features (premium checkmark, ad-free scrolling) and X Money rows (6.00% APY, 3% cashback). Third-party model usage is billed separately. The footer links 'SpaceXSI Subscription Terms'. Full details: Cursor pricing.

Tools mentioned

• Cursor: free plan, paid from $8/mo

Sources

1. Cursor documentation
2. Cursor docs: Rules
3. Cursor docs: Model Context Protocol
4. Cursor pricing
5. Cursor: Security (Privacy Mode)