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How do you install an AI skill for Cursor?

Install a reusable AI skill for Cursor with AIPM, review the project files, and test the workflow safely.

Published September 1, 2026. Last reviewed September 1, 2026.

Short answer

Install the AIPM CLI, run aipm init --target cursor in your project, then run aipm add with the package name and --target cursor. Review the installed instructions before using them.

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.
  • CLI: a tool that you use by typing commands in a terminal.

What this means

Start from the public package page

Check the description, source, license, publisher, files, examples, and supported targets. A package should say what job it performs and what behavior it changes.

Install into the project

Run the target-specific command from the project root. AIPM places the Cursor-ready file under the project instead of hiding the shared instructions in one person's chat history.

Review before team use

Read the installed file and test it on a small task. Commit it only when the team agrees that the instructions are safe and useful for the project.

Simple steps to create and AI agent

  1. Run npm install -g @aipm-registry/cli.
  2. Open the project folder in a terminal.
  3. Run aipm init --target cursor.
  4. Run aipm add @scope/name@version --target cursor --ci.
  5. Review the installed .cursor/aipm skill file.
  6. Open Cursor and test the skill on a small task.

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

Where does AIPM put a Cursor skill?

AIPM installs a Cursor skill under .cursor/aipm/skills in the project. The package name determines the installed file name.

Is a Cursor skill the same as a Cursor project rule?

Not exactly. Both provide reusable instructions, but project rules can be scoped to files or conditions while a skill usually describes a task or workflow.

Sources

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