Moving from VS Code to Cursor: A Migration Guide for Vibe Coders

If you've been using Visual Studio Code for years, the idea of switching to a new editor can feel daunting. You have your extensions, your keybindings, your muscle memory. The thought of starting over is exhausting.

But here's the good news: Cursor is literally a fork of VS Code. It looks the same, feels the same, and supports 99% of the same extensions. The migration is painless.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire migration process, from installation to mastering the AI features that make Cursor worth the switch.

Why Switch? The Cursor Advantage

Before we dive into the “how,” let's address the “why.”

VS Code with GitHub Copilot is great. But Cursor is built from the ground up for Vibe Coding. Here's what you gain:

1. Composer Mode: Edit multiple files simultaneously with natural language.
2. Better Context: The `@Codebase` feature understands your entire project, not just the open file.
3. Faster Iteration: The AI is more tightly integrated, reducing the friction between thought and code.

Step 1: Installation (5 Minutes)

Download Cursor

Go to cursor.sh and download the installer for your operating system (Mac, Windows, or Linux).

The “Import Everything” Prompt

On first launch, Cursor will ask:
> “Do you want to import your VS Code settings, extensions, and keybindings?”

Click YES.

This is the magic moment. Cursor will:
* Copy all your installed extensions.
* Import your `settings.json`.
* Transfer your custom keybindings.
* Migrate your color theme.

Within 60 seconds, Cursor will look and feel exactly like your VS Code setup.

Step 2: Understanding the Differences

While Cursor is 95% identical to VS Code, there are a few key differences you need to know.

The AI Panel (Right Sidebar)

Cursor adds a new sidebar panel (the “Chat” icon). This is where you interact with the AI for questions and code generation.

Keyboard Shortcut: `Cmd+L` (Mac) or `Ctrl+L` (Windows).

Composer (The Floating Window)

This is Cursor's killer feature. Press `Cmd+I` to open a floating AI window that can edit multiple files at once.

Use Case: “Create a new component and update the parent to import it.”

Inline Edit (The Quick Fix)

Press `Cmd+K` while highlighting code to get an inline AI edit.

Use Case: Highlight a function and type “Add error handling.”

Step 3: Migrating Your Workflow

For Solo Developers

If you work alone, the migration is straightforward. Just start using Cursor for new projects. Keep VS Code installed for a week as a safety net, but you'll likely never go back.

For Teams

If your team uses VS Code, you need to coordinate:
1. Pilot Program: Have 2-3 developers switch first and report back.
2. Shared `.cursorrules`: Create a team-wide configuration file to ensure consistency.
3. Training Session: Run a 30-minute demo showing Composer and the `@` context features.

Step 4: Optimizing for AI

Now that you've migrated, it's time to unlock Cursor's full potential.

Create a `.cursorrules` File

In your project root, create `.cursorrules`:
“`markdown
– You are an expert in TypeScript and React.
– Always use functional components with hooks.
– Use Tailwind CSS for styling.
– Prefer `const` over `let`.
– Add JSDoc comments for all exported functions.
“`

This file acts as a permanent instruction set for the AI.

Learn the `@` Symbols

* `@Codebase`: Searches your entire project.
* `@Docs`: References external documentation (e.g., `@Stripe`, `@NextJS`).
* `@Web`: Searches the internet for the latest information.
* `@Files`: References specific files.

Example Prompt:
> “@Codebase where is the user authentication logic? Update it to use @Stripe for payment verification.”

Step 5: The “Uninstall VS Code” Moment

After 1-2 weeks with Cursor, you'll reach a decision point. Do you keep VS Code installed, or do you fully commit?

Our Recommendation: Keep VS Code for one specific use case: Debugging production issues on remote servers (where you might not have Cursor installed). For everything else, use Cursor.

Common Migration Issues (And Fixes)

Issue 1: “My Extension Doesn't Work”

Solution: Some extensions (especially those that modify the editor UI heavily) might conflict. Check the Cursor Discord for known issues or find an alternative.

Issue 2: “The AI is Too Slow”

Solution: You might be on the free tier with rate limits. Upgrade to Cursor Pro ($20/month) for faster models and higher quotas.

Issue 3: “I Miss My Old Keybindings”

Solution: Go to `Settings > Keyboard Shortcuts` and customize. Cursor supports all the same keybinding formats as VS Code.

Conclusion

Migrating from VS Code to Cursor is not a leap; it's a step. The tools are so similar that the transition is almost invisible. But the productivity gains from Composer and deep AI integration are massive.

At BYS Marketing, our entire development team made the switch in early 2025. We haven't looked back. The ability to Vibe Code has made us faster, more creative, and more ambitious in what we build.

—

Ready to accelerate your development workflow?
Contact BYS Marketing and let us show you how AI-native development can transform your business.