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How to download and install Cursor on Mac

Cursor is a code editor with AI built in, based on VS Code, and it comes from Cursor’s own website. Here is which build to pick, how to install it and how to move your VS Code settings over.

Cursor

  • macOS 12 or later
  • Apple Silicon and Intel
  • Free plan, Pro is paid
Official Cursor websitecursor.com ↗

Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:

For Apple Silicon.dmgFor Intel.dmg

The links go to the developer’s website (cursor.com, api2.cursor.sh). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.

Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:

brew install --cask cursor

Homebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.

No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.

Which version to download

Cursor’s download page has three builds for macOS: Mac (ARM64) for Apple Silicon, Mac (x64) for Intel and Mac Universal, which holds both and is larger. To know your chip:

  1. Choose Apple menu › About This Mac.
  2. If you see Chip with Apple M1, M2 or later, take Mac (ARM64). If you see Processor with Intel, take Mac (x64).

Cursor needs macOS 12 Monterey or later and a Cursor account. Signing up is free. Download Cursor only from cursor.com.

How to install Cursor

  1. Open the downloaded Cursor-darwin-arm64.dmg or Cursor-darwin-x64.dmg in your Downloads folder.
  2. In the window that opens, drag Cursor to the Applications folder.
The Cursor disk image window: Cursor and the Applications folder to drag it to
  1. Eject the Cursor disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
  2. Open Cursor from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.
  3. Sign in with your Cursor account when asked, or create one.

What to set up after the first launch

  • Your VS Code setup. Cursor can bring over your VS Code extensions, themes, settings and keybindings in one go: press Command-Shift-J to open Cursor Settings, go to General › Account and click Import under VS Code Import.
  • Extensions. Cursor gets extensions from the Open VSX registry, not the VS Code Marketplace, so a few you know may be missing or behave differently.
  • Caches. Like VS Code, Cursor keeps caches, logs and extensions in your home folder, and they grow with every project and extension.
  • The installer. Once Cursor runs, move the .dmg from Downloads to the Trash: you won’t need it again.

If Cursor won’t install or open

  • «Cursor is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete the file and download it again from Cursor’s website.
  • Cursor doesn’t start on an older Mac. Check your macOS version in About This Mac: Cursor needs macOS 12 or later.
  • It broke after an update or an extension. Remove Cursor with its settings and extensions and install it again: see how to uninstall Cursor on Mac.

Alternatives to Cursor

Keep your Mac tidy

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Code editors leave a lot behind: caches, logs, old extensions. System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps and developer tools build up, Cursor’s included, and the Uninstaller removes Cursor with its files if you switch editors.

Download MacWashingHow it works

Free trial · macOS 14 or later

Questions and answers

Is Cursor free?

There is a free Hobby plan with limited AI use. Pro costs $20 a month and teams pay per user. You choose a plan in your account on Cursor’s website.

Do I need an account to use Cursor?

Yes. Cursor asks you to sign in on the first launch. The account is free. The app isn’t in the Mac App Store: download it from cursor.com or install it with Homebrew.

Can I keep VS Code next to Cursor?

Yes. They are separate apps, and you can open the same projects in both.