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Cursor Memories

📋 Cursor Rules & Configuration 18 min 400 BASE XP

Persistent Cross-Session Knowledge

Cursor Memories is a persistent, cross-session knowledge base that allows the AI to remember your preferences, project conventions, and past decisions across every conversation. Memories replaced the earlier Notepads feature. (Note: Notepads were deprecated in late 2025, replaced by Cursor Memories.)

How Memories Work

Memories are stored as .md files in a dedicated directory (typically .cursor/memories/) and are automatically loaded into the AI's context when relevant. Unlike Rules (which are prescriptive instructions), Memories are descriptive knowledge — facts the AI should know about you and your project.

Memory Types

TypeScopeExample
Project MemoriesSpecific to one workspace"This project uses Prisma for ORM and Zod for validation"
Global MemoriesShared across all projects"I prefer TypeScript over JavaScript" or "Always use pnpm"
Conversation MemoriesAuto-captured from chats"User decided to use Redis instead of Memcached for caching"

Managing Memories via the UI

  • View & Edit: Open the Memories panel from the sidebar or via Ctrl+Shift+M to browse, edit, or delete stored memories.
  • Manual Creation: Create memory files directly in .cursor/memories/ with Markdown content the AI should remember.
  • Auto-Capture: When the AI learns something important during a conversation (e.g., "the user prefers tabs over spaces"), it can automatically store this as a memory for future sessions.
  • Cross-Project Preferences: Global memories sync across all your workspaces, ensuring consistent behavior — your preferred naming conventions, error handling patterns, and communication style follow you everywhere.

Memories vs Rules

AspectCursor Rules (.mdc)Cursor Memories (.md)
PurposePrescriptive instructionsDescriptive knowledge
Tone"Always do X" / "Never do Y""The project uses X" / "User prefers Y"
ScopeProject-levelProject or global
Auto-captureNoYes, from conversations
Migration Note: If you previously used Notepads for storing project context, migrate their content to .cursor/memories/ files. Memories are more powerful because they support auto-capture and cross-project synchronization. (Note: Notepads were deprecated in late 2025, replaced by Cursor Memories.)
SYNAPSE VERIFICATION
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What is the key difference between Cursor Memories and Cursor Rules?
They are the same thing
Rules are prescriptive instructions; Memories are descriptive knowledge the AI should know
Memories are only for paid plans
Rules work offline, Memories don't
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Cursor Memories | Cursor Rules & Configuration — Cursor Academy