It only takes 5 minutes

The purpose of this guide is to help you install Cursor, create your first project, and learn how to use the AI to start building the right way—even if you have zero coding experience. Whether you are learning to code or just want to move faster, this will give you a solid starting point.

If you're new to coding with AI Cursor might feel a bit different from tools like ChatGPT or Claude.

That is because Cursor is not just a chat window. It is a full coding editor where the AI works with your files, not just around them. That one difference is huge. It means the AI is not guessing—it sees your project, understands your code, and helps you build things that actually work.

Here is how to get started in under 5 minutes.

Step 1: Install Cursor

Head to cursor.com and download the app for your system (Mac, Windows, or Linux). Install it like any other app.

When you launch it for the first time, you can sign in using GitHub, Google, or your email. The free hobby plan includes a 2-week trial of the Pro features.

Step 2: Create Your First Project

Before opening the Cursor app, make a folder somewhere on your computer where you’ll keep your code projects. Inside that folder, create a new one—call it "myfirstproject" or something.

Then open Cursor, go to the top menu, click Open, and select that "myfirstproject" folder. You now have a blank project ready to go.

Step 3: Understand the Layout

Cursor is a code editor with AI built in. Here’s the quick tour:

• Left side: File explorer. This is where your code files live.

• Middle: Code editor. This is where you write—or where the AI writes for you.

• Right side: Cursor AI chat. This is where you give instructions in any language.

• Bottom: Terminal. You will use this to run your app or install packages

Step 4: Send Your First Prompt

Open the Cursor AI chat and try this

“Help me create the front end for a basic to-do list application using React. When you’re done, run it locally and make it look nice.”

Cursor will generate your file structure, write the code, and even explain what it is doing.

Ask follow-ups. Change things. Break stuff. This is your learning playground.

Step 5: Make Cursor Work With You

Once you're up and running, there are a few things you can enable to get even more out of Cursor:

Enable Codebase Indexing

This helps the AI understand your project structure, so it can answer questions like “Explain my project?” or “Suggest a feature to build”

You will find this in Settings > Features > Codebase Indexing

Set Up User Rules

This is where you tell the AI how you want it to behave. For example:

“I am a beginner. Please explain what you are doing step by step, and keep the language simple.”

Now Cursor AI will automatically adapt to your preferences every time.

You will find this in Settings > Rules

Final Tip: Just Get Started

Seriously. Just install Cursor. Create a project. Type in your first question.

Let the AI help you as you go. It can install packages, build your app, explain the code—and walk you through it all in your language.

You will be surprised how quickly you will start building things 🚀

Want to see it in action? Check out the video walkthrough that shows how all of this works in a real example.