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How Can We Better Use the Functions of Notepad?

Question​

I found that in the latest version 0.41, there is a new function called Notepad on the composer interface. But I don’t know how to use it better. In other words, I don’t know what its function is. Is there anyone who can provide a simple example of best practice?

Answers​

1. Response by themotionmachine​

I would also love to know more about notepads. It would be great to have a sense for when to use a notepad.

2. Response by jc_codes​

I just used it for the first time to make a simple collection of related files. This seems to save time in the event I need to start a new chat or composer, and don’t want to bother re-searching/adding all the files. Beyond that, I’m not sure.

3. Response by deanrie​

Hey @tangjun, there’s a bit of an explanation here:

Mckay Wrigley @mckaywrigley The Cursor 0.41 update is live! Several massive improvements: - Composer Checkpoints! - Projects are now Notepads - Composer in the AI Pane - Separate Composer windows - Speed enhancements Watch my breakdown for examples of each.

4. Response by tangjun​

Thanks, I’ve looked it over.

5. Response by jdougy​

Is “composer” now called cmd + k in the newest version/docs and you can no longer get it into the AI pane? These features look awesome but I don’t see them in Version: 0.42.5.

6. Response by tangjun​

The shortcut key is Ctrl+i, or Ctrl + Shift + i.

7. Response by jdougy​

Ah, thank you. I swear cmd + d to get it into the AI pane wasn’t working yesterday, but it’s working today.

8. Response by tangjun​

Yes, actually composer is a very powerful function. But for beginners, there is no prompt for the composer function at all. Therefore, they may not know that this function exists. So I think composer should be displayed by default on the side panel or be guided for use in a prominent position.

9. Response by oxlikesmath​

Notepads allow you to efficiently add context without using multiple @. Include the list of contexts in the notepad, and then reference it with @Notepad_name.md.

10. Response by tangjun​

The advantage of Notepad is that you can @ the file you need, and the AI can recognize the content of the file. This function cannot be implemented in md files.

11. Response by oxlikesmath​

But for notepads, you still have to specify @Notepad.

12. Response by tangjun​

So you can mention multiple files in your notepad, then only @notepad, it is equal to mentioning the files.

13. Response by oxlikesmath​

Then why did Cursor go through all the work of adding that feature?

14. Response by tangjun​

And more, you can add some comments to the files you mentioned, that make the AI better know your project. The AI can auto-read the files you mentioned.

15. Response by oxlikesmath​

Thank you so much. This feature now makes sense.

16. Response by tangjun​

All right, you’re welcome. 😊 I didn’t know how to use it before. Later, through my own exploration, I gradually mastered the usage.

Source​

@https://forum.cursor.com/t/how-can-we-better-use-the-functions-of-notepad/17849