How to Use Cursor for Freelancers

Freelancers who need fast, reliable code assistance can boost productivity with Cursor. This step‑by‑step tutorial shows you how to install Cursor, set up a project, use AI code completion, integrate with Git, and choose the right pricing plan. Follow each section to get the most out of Cursor on client work.

Table of contents

• 1. Install Cursor
• 2. Create and configure a project
• 3. Use AI code completion
• 4. Connect Cursor to Git
• 5. Optimize your freelance workflow
• 6. Pricing, limits, and alternatives
• 7. Frequently asked questions

1. Install Cursor

1.1 System requirements

• Windows 10 or later, macOS 12+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+)
• 8 GB RAM minimum, 2 GHz CPU
• Node >= 18 for JavaScript projects (optional)

1.2 Download and run the installer

Save the installer, then double‑click to run. On macOS you may need to allow the app in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.

1.3 Verify the installation

cursor --version
# Expected output: cursor 0.9.4

If the command returns a version number, you’re ready to open the editor.

2. Create and configure a project

2.1 Open a folder

Launch Cursor, then choose File → Open Folder. Select the root of your client project (e.g., my-website/).

2.2 Configure language mode

Cursor automatically detects file types. For a Node.js API, open server.js and confirm the language bar shows “JavaScript”. If not, click the language indicator and select “JavaScript”.

2.3 Add a .cursorrc file

Create a hidden configuration file to control model size and token limits:

{
  "model": "cursor-large",
  "maxTokens": 2048,
  "temperature": 0.2
}

Save this file at the project root. Cursor reads it on startup.

3. Use AI code completion

3.1 Trigger suggestions

Place the cursor where you need code and press Ctrl+Space (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Space (macOS). Cursor shows a list of completions.

3.2 Accept a suggestion

Navigate with the arrow keys and press Enter. The suggestion inserts directly into your file.

3.3 Generate a function from a comment

// Fetch user data from the API and return JSON

After the comment, press Ctrl+Space. Cursor may propose:

async function fetchUser(id) {
  const response = await fetch(`${API_URL}/users/${id}`);
  if (!response.ok) throw new Error('Network error');
  return await response.json();
}

3.4 Refactor with “Explain”

Select a block of code, right‑click, and choose Explain. Cursor opens a side pane with a plain‑English description. This is handy when you inherit legacy code from a client.

4. Connect Cursor to Git

4.1 Initialize a repository

git init
git remote add origin git@github.com:client/project.git

4.2 Use Cursor’s built‑in Git panel

Click the Git icon on the left sidebar. You’ll see changed files, staged files, and a commit message box.

4.3 Auto‑generate commit messages

Write a brief description of what you changed, then press Ctrl+Shift+M. Cursor suggests a full message:

feat: add server‑side pagination to /posts endpoint

- Implement limit and offset query parameters
- Update Post model validation
- Add unit tests for new logic

4.4 Push to remote

git push origin main

5. Optimize your freelance workflow

5.1 Create reusable snippets

Open File → Preferences → User Snippets**, then add a JSON entry for a common pattern, e.g., an Express error handler.

{
  "Express error handler": {
    "prefix": "expressErr",
    "body": [
      "app.use((err, req, res, next) => {",
      "  console.error(err.stack);",
      "  res.status(500).json({ error: 'Internal Server Error' });",
      "});"
    ],
    "description": "Standard Express error middleware"
  }
}

{
  "scripts": {
    "build": "npm run build",
    "dev": "npm run dev"
  }
}

{
  "model": "ollama/llama2",
  "endpoint": "http://localhost:11434"
}