Use Tab Completions
Tab autocomplete is Cursor's most powerful feature for speed. As you type, it predicts what comes next—often multiple lines at a time. The AI learns from your code and patterns.
How Tab Autocomplete Works
Start typing code. After a few characters, a suggestion appears grayed out. This is Cursor's AI predicting your next line(s). Press Tab to accept it.
Accepting and Rejecting Suggestions
- **Tab**: Accept the entire suggestion
- **Escape**: Reject and dismiss the suggestion
- **Ctrl+→ (or Cmd+→)**: Accept just the next word
- **Delete**: Clear the suggestion and keep typing your own code
Pro Tips for Better Suggestions
The better context Cursor has, the better its suggestions:
- **Write clear comments**: If you write "// Create a button with onClick handler", Cursor will suggest the code to match
- **Follow naming patterns**: Consistent names help Cursor predict what you're building
- **Keep related code nearby**: Don't spread imports and usage far apart
- **Write function signatures first**: Define the function name and parameters, Cursor suggests the body
Example: React Component
Type this and watch Cursor autocomplete the component:
function Button({ label, onClick }) {Cursor will suggest the rest: return statement, Tailwind classes, etc.
Free vs Pro: Autocomplete Limits
On the Free plan, you get basic autocomplete. The Pro plan ($20/month) includes unlimited tab completions and longer context windows for smarter suggestions.
Tab autocomplete works best on straightforward, predictable code (components, loops, API calls). For complex logic, use Chat (Cmd+L) instead.
Autocomplete Mastered!
- You understand how Tab autocomplete predicts code
- You can accept, reject, and control suggestions
- You know how to write code that gets better suggestions
- You've seen real examples of autocomplete in action
Excellent! Tab completion is your speed tool. Next, let's meet Chat—your conversational AI assistant.