Cursor Notepads: Reusable Context for AI Sessions

Use Cursor Notepads for efficient context sharing across chat and composer sessions. Create reusable context blocks for architecture docs, guidelines, and templates.

Cursor Notepads are context-sharing tools that bridge composers and chat interactions, extending .cursorrules capabilities with reusable context blocks.

Creating Notepads

1. Locate the Notepads section in the sidebar
2. Click the + button to create a new notepad
3. Give it a meaningful name (e.g., "Architecture Overview")
4. Write your context content

Referencing Notepads

Use @NotepadName syntax in any chat or composer prompt to include the notepad content as context.

Best Use Cases

• Project architecture documentation: System design, data flow, component hierarchy
• Development guidelines: Coding standards, review criteria, deployment process
• Reusable code templates: Common patterns, boilerplate structures
• Team-specific rules: Naming conventions, file organization, testing standards
• API documentation summaries: Endpoint references, authentication patterns
• Debugging checklists: Common issues, troubleshooting steps

Best Practices

• Split large documents into smaller, themed Notepads
• Use clear headings and bullet points (junk context dilutes AI focus)
• Treat content like code: concise, structured, and purposeful
• Notepads are NOT editable by AI, making them reliable reference docs

Notepads + Rules Strategy

Combine Notepads (dynamic context) with .cursor/rules/ (persistent behavior) for comprehensive AI context management. Rules define how the AI should behave; Notepads provide what the AI should know.