Old Composer Interface (v0.42)

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Old Composer Interface (v0.42)

👉 Note: The composer has been removed and is now full integrated into the sidebar (v0.43)


Let's explore three different ways to use Cursor’s composers so you can find what works best for your flow. First up, the floating composer, great for quick edits. Just hit Command + I, and a small window pops up at the bottom of your workspace. You can move it around, resize it, and even drag files into it without leaving your editor. For example, you could ask it to 'create a new Python game' while keeping an eye on your existing code. To sum up, the floating composer is perfect if you want to see your project and code at the same time. The trade-off? It’s a bit tight on space, so for bigger tasks, there's another option. The windowed composer is perfect when you need more room for complex edits. Press Command + Shift + I, and you get a full window dedicated to your code. It’s ideal for handling multiple files or working on large sections of a project. Now, let’s talk about the composer in pane, which fully integrates the composer into your workspace. Open the floating composer with Command + I, click the three dots, and select 'Open Composer as Pane.' It snaps to the right, letting you work with the editor and composer in view at all times. This option is great for staying organized and focused without needing to jump between windows. Whether you're collaborating with an AI model or making edits, it feels like a co-pilot is helping you. So, which one should you use? If you're making quick changes, the floating composer works best. For detailed work, the windowed composer gives you more space. And for a clean, all-in-one workspace, the composer in pane is the way to go. Personally, I prefer the windowed composer for large projects but switch to the floating one for quick fixes. The great thing is, you can try them all and see what fits your style.

Kevin Kernegger

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