Short answer
Cursor rules control how Cursor should behave in a project or for certain files. Agent Skills describe how an AI agent should complete a reusable task. Use rules for ongoing project instructions and skills for focused workflows that may be shared across tools.
Words used in this guide
- AIPM: a tool that installs and updates reusable AI instructions.
- Package: a named group of files that people can install and update together.
- Workflow: a set of steps used to finish a task.
- Git: a tool that records file changes so people can review or undo them.
What this means
Rules guide normal project behavior
A Cursor project rule can apply all the time, only to matching files, or when Cursor decides it is relevant. Rules are useful for coding style, project structure, required checks, and limits that should stay active while work is being done.
Skills explain one repeatable job
An Agent Skill is a small package of instructions for a task such as reviewing a pull request, preparing release notes, or checking accessibility. A skill can include a SKILL.md file, examples, references, and small helper programs.
Use one source for each instruction
Do not copy the same instruction into both places. Keep project-wide behavior in Cursor rules. Keep longer, task-focused steps in a skill. Put shared files in Git and review changes before using them across a team.
Simple steps
- List the instructions that should apply during normal Cursor work.
- Keep those instructions in project rules.
- List the longer tasks that happen only when needed.
- Create one focused Agent Skill for each repeated task.
- Test the rule and skill together and remove repeated or conflicting text.
- Use AIPM when another project needs the same reviewed skill version.
Where to go next
If you want to try this in a real project, start with the install guide, then read how to use AIPM. If you want to share your own workflow, read the publishing guide.
FAQ
Are Agent Skills replacing Cursor rules?
No. Rules and skills solve different problems. Rules control project behavior, while skills provide reusable steps for a task.
Can a Cursor project use both?
Yes. Keep the rule short and use the skill for detailed task steps. Make sure the two files do not give conflicting instructions.
Sources
How this guide was checked
Abhishek Srivastava reviewed this guide for plain English and current product behavior. Official references are linked above when the guide depends on outside product details. Product details can change, so the review date is shown at the top of the page.