Cursor Planning: From plan.md to Smooth Execution
Use Cursor's Plan setup to create a plan.md, manage todos, and queue instructions. Step-by-step setup with tips and templates.
Important Note About Cursor "Plan Mode"
Cursor doesn't have a built-in "Plan Mode". The official modes are Ask Mode (read-only analysis and suggestions) and Agent Mode (can execute changes). "Plan Mode" is a common user convention or workflow pattern, not an official feature. Users often create custom modes or workflows for planning.
Cursor's planning capabilities transform complex development tasks into structured, manageable workflows. Through its mode system and Planning features, you can generate comprehensive plan.md files, manage todos with dependencies, and queue instructions for seamless execution.
The Plan Example: Tools & Behavior
Cursor's Plan mode example demonstrates how AI can structure complex tasks into actionable steps. When activated, the Plan mode has access to three core tools that enable comprehensive project planning:
Core Planning Tools
- Codebase: Analyzes your entire project structure to understand context and dependencies
- Read file: Examines specific files to gather detailed implementation requirements
- Terminal: Executes commands to understand the current state and validate assumptions
The Plan mode behavior focuses on creating a structured plan.md file that breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps, identifies dependencies, and provides clear implementation guidance.
Example plan.md Structure
# Project Implementation Plan
## Overview
Brief description of the task and its objectives.
## Analysis
- Current state assessment
- Key dependencies identified
- Potential challenges
## Implementation Steps
### Phase 1: Foundation
- [ ] Set up project structure
- [ ] Configure dependencies
- [ ] Create base components
### Phase 2: Core Features
- [ ] Implement main functionality
- [ ] Add error handling
- [ ] Write unit tests
### Phase 3: Integration
- [ ] Connect components
- [ ] End-to-end testing
- [ ] Documentation updates
## Success Criteria
Clear metrics for completion and validation.Todos & Queued Messages
Cursor's Planning feature extends beyond simple todo lists by providing a sophisticated system for breaking down work and managing dependencies. This system integrates seamlessly with the Plan mode to create a comprehensive workflow management solution.
Advanced Todo Management
Dependency Tracking
Set up task dependencies to ensure work flows in the correct order. The system can automatically queue dependent tasks when prerequisites are completed.
Queued Instructions
Queue detailed instructions for each task, including code snippets, file locations, and implementation notes that can be executed when ready.
Context Preservation
Maintain context across work sessions, ensuring that complex multi-step projects can be resumed seamlessly.
Queued Message Examples
// Example queued instruction for API endpoint creation
"Create POST /api/users endpoint in src/pages/api/users.js with validation for email, password, and username fields. Include error handling for duplicate emails and password strength requirements."
// Example queued instruction for component update
"Update UserProfile component in src/components/UserProfile.tsx to include the new bio field from the database schema. Add character limit validation (500 chars) and markdown support for formatting."How to Switch Modes
Cursor provides multiple ways to access and switch between different modes, making it easy to adapt your AI assistant's behavior to match your current task requirements.
Mode Picker
Access the mode picker through the main interface to browse and select from available modes.
- • Click the mode indicator in the chat interface
- • Browse available modes and descriptions
- • Select the mode that matches your task
Keyboard Shortcut
Use the quick keyboard shortcut for rapid mode switching during development.
Opens the mode selection menu instantly
Vibe Manager + Cursor Integration
While Cursor's Plan mode provides excellent single-model planning capabilities, Vibe Manager extends this functionality with multi-model collaboration and advanced context management. This integration creates a powerful hybrid workflow that combines the best of both tools.
Enhanced Planning Workflow
Generate Initial Plan in Cursor
Use Cursor's Plan mode to create the foundational plan.md with codebase analysis
Import to Vibe Manager
Load the plan into Vibe Manager for multi-model validation and enhancement
Multi-Model Refinement
Use different AI models to validate, critique, and improve the plan from multiple perspectives
Execute with Context
Return to Cursor with the refined plan and maintain context throughout implementation
Key Integration Benefits
- Multi-Model Validation: Different AI models can review and improve plans from various perspectives
- Context Preservation: Maintain rich context across different tools and sessions
- Specialized Expertise: Leverage model strengths for specific aspects of planning and implementation
- Iterative Improvement: Continuously refine plans based on multi-model feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan a built-in mode?
Cursor lets you choose modes and provides a Plan example. The Plan mode is one of several example modes that demonstrate how to structure AI workflows for different tasks. You can use it as-is or customize it to fit your specific planning needs.
What's the Planning feature vs Plan mode?
Planning = todos/queue system; Plan example = mode. The Planning feature provides todo management and queued instructions across all modes, while the Plan mode is a specific AI behavior template focused on creating structured plans and breaking down complex tasks.
How do I switch between modes in Cursor?
You can switch modes using the mode picker in the interface or by pressing Ctrl+. (Ctrl+period) to access the mode selection menu. The mode picker shows all available modes with descriptions to help you choose the right one for your task.
Can I customize the Plan mode behavior?
Yes, you can modify the Plan mode template to fit your specific workflow needs. The mode defines how the AI behaves when generating plans and managing project structure, and you can adjust the prompts, tools, and behavior patterns to match your preferences.