Cursor 101 — install → built → shipped

Install Cursor on desktop

1. Download from cursor.com/download (macOS, Windows, Linux).
2. Open it and sign in — the free Hobby plan is enough to start.
3. Open any folder (or an empty one) as a project.
4. Open the Agent panel (⌘I / Ctrl+I) and describe what you want to build.
5. Docs live at cursor.com/docs when you get stuck.

Cursor on iOS

Cursor on the App Store (by Anysphere) — or scan:

• A native app (public beta) for directing agents from your phone — not a phone IDE.
• Needs iOS 26.0 or later.
• The agent workflow needs a paid plan with Cloud Agents (Pro and up) and Privacy Mode enabled.

Pricing, just the facts

• Hobby free · Pro $20/mo · Pro+ $60/mo · Ultra $200/mo. Teams and Enterprise exist too.
• "API usage" = a monthly budget metered at per-token API prices, in two pools: Cursor's own models (generous first-party pool) and third-party frontier models (dollar-metered). Model choice is the main cost lever.
• At the limit: keep using first-party models, opt in to pay-as-you-go with a spend cap, or upgrade — no surprise bills.
• Check your own usage at cursor.com/dashboard.