Cursor Rules Generator — AI Coding Config Builder

What it is

Cursor Rules Generator creates optimized .cursorrules configuration files for the Cursor IDE. These files instruct Cursor's AI features on your project's tech stack, coding conventions, and constraints. Instead of manually writing configuration, the generator produces a structured rules file based on your stack.

This tool targets developers using Cursor IDE who want consistent AI behavior across their codebase. It is especially useful for teams where multiple developers need the same AI coding conventions.

How it saves time or tokens

A well-structured .cursorrules file prevents the AI from generating code in the wrong style, using deprecated APIs, or ignoring project conventions. Without it, developers spend tokens correcting the AI's output. The generator produces a template with approximately 3,500 tokens that saves multiples of that in avoided corrections.

The generator covers common patterns: TypeScript vs JavaScript preferences, testing framework choices, import style, error handling patterns, and framework-specific conventions.

How to use

1. Define your tech stack and generate a rules file:

# .cursorrules

You are an expert in TypeScript, Next.js 14, and Tailwind CSS.

Code Style

• Use functional components with TypeScript interfaces
• Prefer named exports over default exports
• Use async/await, never .then() chains

2. Add framework-specific rules:

Next.js Rules

• Use App Router, not Pages Router
• Server Components by default, add 'use client' only when needed
• Use next/image for all images
• Use next/link for all internal navigation

3. Place `.cursorrules` in your project root. Cursor reads it automatically.

Example

A complete .cursorrules for a full-stack project:

# Project: SaaS Dashboard

You are an expert in TypeScript, React 19, Next.js 15,
Tailwind CSS, Prisma ORM, and PostgreSQL.

Architecture

• App Router with RSC (React Server Components)
• API routes in app/api/ using Route Handlers
• Database access only in server components or API routes

Conventions

• Components: PascalCase, one per file
• Hooks: camelCase, prefix with 'use'
• Types: interfaces for objects, type for unions
• Errors: return Result<T, Error>, never throw

Testing

• Vitest for unit tests
• Playwright for e2e
• Every new function needs a test

Do Not

• Use any type (use unknown instead)
• Import from barrel files (import from specific modules)
• Use class components

Related on TokRepo

• AI tools for coding -- AI coding tools and IDE configurations
• Prompt library -- Curated prompts and system instructions

Common pitfalls

• Making rules too vague. 'Write clean code' gives the AI no actionable guidance. Be specific: 'Use descriptive variable names with 3+ words for non-loop variables.'
• Contradicting rules from different team members. Review .cursorrules in PRs like any other code. Conflicting instructions cause unpredictable AI behavior.
• Not updating rules when dependencies change. If you upgrade from Next.js 14 to 15, update the .cursorrules to reflect new patterns (React 19 features, updated APIs).