// install_cursor
Using AgentRoot with Cursor
Search the AgentRoot registry and install MCP servers and skills directly into Cursor. Skills integrate with Cursor's rules system, and MCP servers are added to your Cursor MCP configuration.
// what_you_need
- Cursor IDE installed
- Node.js 18+ (for
npx commands)
- A project open in Cursor (for project-scoped installs)
1Search the registry
# Search for MCP servers
$ npx agent-root search "database" --type mcp
dbtools.io/postgres-mcp mcp Postgres MCP Server
transport: sse | tools: query, describe-table, list-tables
# Search for skills
$ npx agent-root search "typescript" --type skill
tsguide.dev/ts-patterns skill TypeScript Patterns
skills: type-narrowing, generics-guide, error-handling
2Install a record
Use the --tool cursor flag to install into Cursor:
Installing an MCP server:
$ npx agent-root install dbtools.io/postgres-mcp --tool cursor
# Adds to Cursor MCP settings:
# .cursor/mcp.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"postgres-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@dbtools/postgres-mcp", "--connection", "$POSTGRES_URL"]
}
}
}
Installing skills:
$ npx agent-root install tsguide.dev/ts-patterns --tool cursor
# Downloads skill files to:
# .cursor/skills/tsguide.dev/ts-patterns/type-narrowing.md
# .cursor/skills/tsguide.dev/ts-patterns/generics-guide.md
# .cursor/skills/tsguide.dev/ts-patterns/error-handling.md
The installer also adds a reference to your .cursorrules file so Cursor knows about the installed skills:
# Added to .cursorrules
# --- AgentRoot Skills ---
# See .cursor/skills/ for installed skill references.
# Skills are loaded based on trigger keywords in your prompts.
3Verify it works
For MCP servers, restart Cursor and check the MCP panel in settings:
# Open Cursor Settings > MCP
# You should see postgres-mcp listed with a green status indicator
For skills, ask Cursor about the topic and it will reference the skill content in its responses.
4Project-scoped vs global installs
In Cursor, skills always install at the project level in .cursor/skills/. This means skills are tied to your project and can be committed to version control:
# Skills install to the project directory
$ npx agent-root install tsguide.dev/ts-patterns --tool cursor
# Installs to: .cursor/skills/
Cursor's .cursorrules file is the primary way to provide persistent context to the AI. AgentRoot skills integrate with this system by adding skill references that Cursor can load when relevant triggers match.
// troubleshooting
- MCP server not connecting: Restart Cursor after installing. Check
.cursor/mcp.json for correct configuration. Verify the server command runs independently.
- Skills not referenced: Check that
.cursorrules contains the AgentRoot skills section. Verify files exist in .cursor/skills/.
- Transport errors: SSE servers require network access. For local-only use, look for servers with
stdio transport.
- Outdated records: Re-run the install command to fetch the latest version.
// next_steps