Top 5 Cursor Features You're Not Using (But Should Be)

Most developers install Cursor, import their theme, and treat it like VS Code with a side-panel chat. That’s like buying a Ferrari to drive to the mailbox.

Here are the top 5 features that define true power users in 2025.

1. The .cursorrules File

This is the most "underrated" feature that changes everything.

• What it is: A simple file in your root directory where you define the AI's "constitution."
• Why use it: Tell Cursor, "Always use Tailwind for styling," "Prefer functional components," or "Never use any types."
• The Vibe: You stop correcting the AI on the same things over and over. It just knows.

2. Composer (The "Agent" Mode)

Stop copy-pasting code blocks.

• Shortcut: Cmd+I (Mac) / Ctrl+I (Windows)
• Power Move: "Refactor this entire folder to use the new authentication provider."
• Result: Composer opens multiple files, edits them in parallel, and asks you to confirm. It’s an interactive, multi-file agent living in your editor.

3. "Tab-Tab-Tab" (Flow Prediction)

Cursor's autocomplete is built differently. It predicts your next move, not just your next word.

• The Flow: You change a variable name on line 10. Cursor suggests changing it on line 12. You hit Tab. It jumps to line 15. Tab.
• It predicts entirely new blocks of logic based on patterns it sees you building. It feels like telepathy.

4. @Web for Live Docs

Don't leave the IDE to documentation.

• Usage: "How do I implement specific-feature in @Web documentation?"
• Cursor will browse the web effectively, find the latest documentation (not outdated training data), and implement it using your codebase's context.

5. Pixel-Perfect Vision

Did you know Cursor can "see"?

• Usage: Paste a screenshot of a mockup directly into the chat.
• Prompt: "Make the current component look like this."
• It analyzes the visual hierarchy, padding, and colors, and writes the CSS to match.

Conclusion

Cursor is a depth-first tool. The deeper you go, the more powerful it becomes. Start with these 5 features, and watch your "Vibe Coding" sessions hit a whole new level.