---
title: "Cursor Project Rules (.cursor/rules/*.mdc): paths and format · DotsAgent"
description: "Where .cursor/rules/*.mdc lives, its format and frontmatter, how global and nested copies merge, and which tools read it. Checked 2026-10-01."
url: https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/cursor-rules
---

.cursor/rules/*.mdc

# Cursor Project Rules (.cursor/rules/*.mdc): where it lives and how tools read it

Cursor Project Rules are .mdc files in .cursor/rules/ whose frontmatter decides when each rule is attached. Cursor also reads AGENTS.md, plus User Rules and Team Rules set outside the repository.

## Where it lives

- .cursor/rules/**/*.mdc, subfolders allowed; plain .md files in .cursor/rules are ignored.
- AGENTS.md at the root and in nested folders.
- User Rules, set in Cursor settings.
- Team Rules, set in the team dashboard.

## Format

Markdown with YAML frontmatter, and the .mdc extension is required. alwaysApply: true always includes the rule; globs with alwaysApply: false attach it when a matching file is in context; a description alone lets the Agent decide. With none of these, the rule applies only when you @-mention it.

Frontmatter keys: `description``globs``alwaysApply`

`.cursor/rules/*.mdc`

```
---
description: React component conventions
globs: src/components/**/*.tsx
alwaysApply: false
---

- One component per file, with a named export matching the file name.
- Type props with an interface named after the component plus Props.
- Use the existing CSS modules; no inline style objects.
- Follow @src/components/Button.tsx as the reference pattern.
```

## Precedence and merging

Team Rules, then Project Rules, then User Rules. All applicable rules are merged, and the earlier source wins on conflict; enforced Team Rules can't be switched off. Nested AGENTS.md files combine with their parents, with the more specific file winning.

## Tools that read it

| Tool | Support |
| --- | --- |
| [Cline](https://docs.cline.bot/features/cline-rules) | Detects a legacy .cursorrules file. |

## Tips

- Separate several globs with commas in the globs field.
- Keep each rule under 500 lines and reference files with @filename instead of pasting them.
- Rules don't affect Cursor Tab, and User Rules don't apply to Inline Edit.
- The legacy .cursorrules file is no longer mentioned in Cursor's docs; move it into .cursor/rules/.

Generate an AGENTS.md and matching rule files for five tools from one form. [Open the AGENTS.md generator →](https://dotsagent.io/instructions)

## Other instruction files

[AGENTS.md](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/agents-md)

[CLAUDE.md](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/claude-md)

[GEMINI.md](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/gemini-md)

[.github/copilot-instructions.md](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/github-copilot-instructions)

[.devin/rules/*.md](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/windsurf-rules)

[.clinerules/](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/cline-rules)

[~/.openclaw/workspace/AGENTS.md](https://dotsagent.io/instructions/files/openclaw-workspace)

## Sources

1. [cursor.com](https://cursor.com/docs/context/rules)/docs/context/rules

Independent reference for people who build AI agents. Not affiliated with any vendor named here.

© 2026 DotsAgent · Facts checked October 1, 2026