Scope
Minimal file scope
Stops the agent from opening and rewriting half the repo.
Only edit files required for this task. Do not touch unrelated code.
Cursor
Popular Cursor Rules
Copy-paste Cursor rules that save tokens, keep scope small, and stop agents from burning credits on refactors and guesswork.
Click Copy rule on any card. Paste into .cursor/rules/your-rule.mdc or Cursor Settings → Rules. Rules marked alwaysApply: true load every session — use a few, not all fifteen.
Cost
Read before write
Avoids wrong guesses that cause expensive redo loops.
Read existing files before editing. Match local patterns.
Scope
No drive-by refactors
Large diffs burn tokens and break working code.
Do not refactor, rename, or 'clean up' code outside the task.
Workflow
Plan before multi-file edits
One short plan beats five wrong file passes.
For 3+ files, list the plan in bullets before changing code.
Context
Follow DESIGN.md
Agents stop re-inventing colors and fonts every session.
Read DESIGN.md before UI work. Use semantic tokens only.
Cost
Reuse before creating
Fewer new files = less context loaded next time.
Search for existing components and utilities before adding new ones.
Context
Concise agent replies
Shorter chat history = lower token use over long sessions.
Keep responses brief. Skip preambles and repetition.
Scope
Tests only when asked
Avoids huge test files you did not request.
Do not add or update tests unless the user explicitly asks.
Workflow
One task at a time
Finishing one thing reduces partial work and reruns.
Complete the current request before starting another.
Context
Search narrowly
Targeted search loads less context than reading whole trees.
Prefer grep and single-file reads over loading entire directories.
Cost
No new dependencies
Skips package.json churn and long install explanations.
Do not add npm packages unless the user approves.
Cost
Match project conventions
Style mismatches trigger fix-up passes that waste tokens.
Follow existing lint, folder structure, and import style.
Cost
Ask when blocked
One question beats ten wrong implementation attempts.
If requirements are unclear, ask one focused question.
Workflow
Human product copy
Less rewrite churn on marketing text and UI strings.
No AI filler words. Short sentences. No em dashes.
Workflow
Small focused commits
Clear history helps the next session start with less context.
One logical change per commit. Message explains why.
Brand-specific rules
These cards control how Cursor works. For what your product should look like, generate DESIGN.md and token rules from the playground — then pair with Cursor rules & design tokens.