This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Gaurav Rawat
CursorAI is smart, but sometimes its code suggestions don’t match your style or team standards. Until built-in rule enforcement arrives, there’s a simple manual workaround: use a project-level rules file.
🛠️ The Workaround: Add a Contextual Rules File
CursorAI reads your codebase for context—including documentation. You can guide its behavior by adding a Markdown file (e.g. .prompt-rules.md) in your project root.
📁 Step-by-Step
1. Create .prompt-rules.md
Place this in your project root (next to package.json, README.md, etc.).
2. Add Your Coding Guidelines
Write clear, readable rules—like you're instructing a teammate.
Example:
# CursorAI Prompt Rules
1. Use TypeScript with strict typing.
2. React components must be functional.
3. No `any`; use union types or generics.
4. Prefer async/await over Promises.
5. Follow Airbnb JavaScript Style Guide.
6. Add inline comments for complex logic.
7. Avoid inline CSS—use styled-components.
8. Keep functions under 40 lines.
✅ Why It Works
CursorAI scans all project files for context.
It uses this file as silent guidance.
Works for suggestions, explanations, and refactors.
🚫 Limitations
Not strict enforcement (like ESLint).
Doesn’t reject rule-breaking suggestions.
Requires you to maintain it.
📌 TL;DR
Drop a .prompt-rules.md in your project with your coding standards. CursorAI will read it and tailor suggestions accordingly.
Simple. Effective. No plugins needed.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Gaurav Rawat
Gaurav Rawat | Sciencx (2025-09-05T07:31:28+00:00) 📏 Guide CursorAI with a `.prompt-rules.md` File. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/09/05/%f0%9f%93%8f-guide-cursorai-with-a-prompt-rules-md-file/
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