How to Use Cursor’s Composer Mode like a Pro (2025 Tutorial)

If you are using Cursor and you are only using the `Cmd+K` (Inline Edit) command, you are driving a Ferrari in first gear.
The real power of Cursor lies in Composer (`Cmd+I`).

Composer is not just a chat window. It is an Agentic Interface that can create, edit, and delete files across your entire project simultaneously. It is the closest thing we have to “Vibe Coding” today.

In this guide, we will teach you how to master it.

What is Composer?

Think of Composer as a “Project Manager” that can also code.
* Inline Edit (Cmd+K): “Fix this function.” (Tactical).
* Composer (Cmd+I): “Build a user dashboard with a sidebar, a profile page, and a settings menu.” (Strategic).

Step 1: Opening Composer

Press `Cmd+I` (Mac) or `Ctrl+I` (Windows).
A floating window appears. This is your command center. You can drag it, resize it, or pin it to the side.

Step 2: The “Multi-File” Prompt

The magic of Composer is that it understands dependencies.
Try this prompt:
> “Create a new React component called `NotificationToast.tsx`. It should use Tailwind for styling. Then, update `App.tsx` to include the `Toaster` provider so we can use it globally.”

Watch what happens:
1. Composer creates `NotificationToast.tsx`.
2. It writes the code.
3. It opens `App.tsx`.
4. It adds the import.
5. It wraps the app in the provider.

It did all of that in one shot. You didn't have to switch files.

Step 3: Context Management

Composer needs to know what to look at.
* # (Hash): Use `#` to reference files. E.g., “Look at #Header.tsx and make #Footer.tsx match the style.”
* @ (At): Use `@` to reference docs or the web.

Step 4: The “Apply” Loop

Composer doesn't just apply changes blindly. It shows you a “Diff View” for every file it wants to touch.
* Review: Scroll through the changes.
* Accept All: If it looks good, hit “Accept All” (Cmd+Enter).
* Reject: If it messed up, hit “Reject” and refine your prompt.

Pro Tip: The “Refactor” Workflow

Composer is incredible for refactoring.
Prompt:
> “Refactor the entire `src/components` folder. Change all Class Components to Functional Components. Use Hooks.”

It will iterate through every file in that folder and modernize your codebase in seconds.

Conclusion

Mastering Composer is the difference between a 2x developer and a 10x developer. It allows you to think in “Features” rather than “Files.”

At BYS Marketing, our developers live in Composer Mode. It allows us to ship complex features for our clients in record time.

—

Want to see how fast we can build?
Contact BYS Marketing and let's turn your vibes into code.