SOP-002: VS Code Migration

Document Control

Field	Value
SOP ID	SOP-002
Version	1.0
Status	Active
Last Updated	2024-12

Purpose

This SOP guides developers through migrating their VS Code settings, extensions, and keybindings to Cursor while preserving their familiar development environment.

Scope

• One-click settings import
• Extension migration
• Keybinding preservation
• Theme and configuration transfer

Prerequisites

• VS Code previously installed with settings configured
• Cursor installed (SOP-001)

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Procedure

Migration Overview

One-Click Import: VS Code → Cursor

What Transfers
Settings.json
Extensions
Keybindings
Themes
Snippets

Step 1: Launch Cursor Import Wizard

Option A: First Launch

• When you first launch Cursor, you'll see a prompt to import VS Code settings
• Click "Import VS Code Settings"

Option B: Manual Import

1. Open Command Palette: Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P
2. Type: "Import VS Code Settings"
3. Select the command

Step 2: Select What to Import

The import dialog lets you choose:

Item	Description	Recommended
Settings	settings.json configuration	✅ Yes
Extensions	Installed extensions	✅ Yes
Keybindings	Custom keyboard shortcuts	✅ Yes
UI State	Window layout, sidebar state	⚠️ Optional

Import All

For most users, importing everything provides the smoothest transition. You can always adjust settings later.

Step 3: Wait for Extensions to Install

Process: Scanning VS Code → Matching in Open VSX Registry → Installing → Complete

• Cursor uses the Open VSX Registry (same extensions as VS Code)
• Most extensions are available; some proprietary ones may not be
• Installation time depends on number of extensions

Step 4: Verify Settings Transfer

Check Settings:

1. Press Cmd+, / Ctrl+, to open Settings
2. Verify your preferences are intact

Check Extensions:

1. Press Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X to open Extensions
2. Confirm installed extensions match VS Code

Check Keybindings:

1. Press Cmd+K Cmd+S / Ctrl+K Ctrl+S
2. Verify custom keybindings appear

Step 5: Handle Conflicts

Cursor adds AI-specific keybindings. Some may conflict with existing shortcuts:

Cursor Default	VS Code Common Conflict	Resolution
Cmd+I (Agent)	IntelliSense	Cursor prioritizes Agent
Cmd+K (Inline Edit)	Usually available	Usually no conflict
Cmd+L (Chat)	Select Line	Cursor remaps

To resolve conflicts:

1. Open Keyboard Shortcuts: Cmd+K Cmd+S / Ctrl+K Ctrl+S
2. Search for the conflicting key
3. Right-click and choose "Remove Keybinding" or "Change Keybinding"

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Manual Migration (Alternative)

If auto-import fails, manually copy configuration files:

Settings File Locations

Platform	VS Code Path	Cursor Path
Windows	%APPDATA%\Code\User\settings.json	%APPDATA%\Cursor\User\settings.json
macOS	~/Library/Application Support/Code/User/settings.json	~/Library/Application Support/Cursor/User/settings.json
Linux	~/.config/Code/User/settings.json	~/.config/Cursor/User/settings.json

Copy Files

# macOS/Linux example
cp ~/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User/settings.json \
   ~/Library/Application\ Support/Cursor/User/settings.json

cp ~/Library/Application\ Support/Code/User/keybindings.json \
   ~/Library/Application\ Support/Cursor/User/keybindings.json

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JetBrains Migration

If coming from JetBrains IDEs, you can install familiar keybindings:

1. Open Extensions: Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X
2. Search for "JetBrains IDE Keymap"
3. Install the extension
4. Reload Cursor

This provides IntelliJ-style keybindings alongside Cursor's AI features.

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Verification Checklist

• [ ] Settings imported successfully
• [ ] Theme matches previous VS Code setup
• [ ] Extensions installed and functional
• [ ] Custom keybindings working
• [ ] Code snippets available
• [ ] Cursor AI features accessible (Cmd+I, Cmd+K)

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Import wizard doesn't appear	Use Command Palette > "Import VS Code Settings"
Extensions missing	Search manually in Extensions panel
Settings not applying	Check settings.json for syntax errors
Keybindings not working	Check for conflicts in Keyboard Shortcuts
Theme not appearing	Install theme extension manually

See Also

• SOP-001: Installation & Setup
• SOP-003: First-Time Configuration
• Keyboard Shortcuts Reference