Step 4: Generating Multi-Line Code Blocks

Cursor excels at generating more than just single lines. Here's how to leverage its features to create larger code structures like functions, classes, and boilerplate.

Method 1: Inline Generation with Cmd+K / Ctrl+K

This is ideal for generating code directly where your cursor is, or replacing a selected block.

  1. Place your cursor on an empty line where you want the new code block, OR select an existing block you want to replace/modify.
  2. Press Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Win/Linux) to open the inline prompt bar.
  3. Type a clear, specific prompt describing the code block you need. Include context if necessary (e.g., language, purpose, variable names to use).
  4. Press Enter or click "Generate".
  5. Review the suggested code block.
  6. Click "Accept" (Cmd+Enter / Ctrl+Enter) or "Discard" (Cmd+Backspace / Ctrl+Backspace).

Example Prompt (Cmd+K on empty line): 

Generate a Python class 'Rectangle' with width and height attributes and methods for area and perimeter.

Cursor will generate the class definition directly in the editor.

Method 2: Chat Generation with Cmd+L / Ctrl+L

Use the chat sidebar for more complex generation, discussion, or when you need to iterate on your code generation.

  1. Press Cmd+L (Mac) or Ctrl+L (Win/Linux) to open the AI chat panel.
  2. Type your code generation request with details about what you want to create.
  3. Cursor will respond with the generated code and explanations.
  4. You can easily copy the code to clipboard, discuss further modifications, or use the "Apply to Editor" option if available.

Example Chat Prompt: 

Generate a React functional component that displays a paginated table. It should accept these props: data (array of objects), columns (array of column definitions), pageSize (default: 10), and onRowClick (optional function).

This is excellent for more complex code that might need discussion or adjustments.

Method 3: Terminal/Shell Commands with Cmd+K

Generate complex shell commands or scripts directly in Cursor's integrated terminal:

  1. Open the integrated terminal (Ctrl+` or from the menu).
  2. Press Cmd+K / Ctrl+K in the terminal.
  3. Describe the terminal command you need in plain English (e.g., "Find all Python files modified in the last week and count lines of code").
  4. Cursor will suggest the appropriate shell command, which you can then execute.

This is particularly useful for complex commands that are hard to remember or script snippets.

Method 4: File Template Generation

Generate entire file templates from scratch:

  1. Create a new file and save it with an appropriate extension.
  2. With the empty file open, press Cmd+K or use the chat panel (Cmd+L).
  3. Describe the full file you want to create (e.g., "Create a TypeScript Express.js server with routes for user authentication including login, registration, and password reset").

This is perfect for bootstrapping configuration files, boilerplate code, or standard module structures.

Pro Tip: Enhancing Code Generation

Context is Everything: Always provide relevant context in your prompts:

  • Reference existing files/folders with @filepath syntax
  • Mention the programming language if not obvious
  • Specify naming conventions, coding standards, or specific libraries to use

Use Iterative Refinement: If the generated code isn't quite right, have a conversation about it rather than starting over. For example: "This looks good, but can you modify it to use async/await instead of promises?"

Specify Constraints Clearly: Tell Cursor about specific requirements like "This needs to be compatible with Node.js 14" or "Don't use any external dependencies".

Proceed to Step 5: AI Chat Tasks