If you're planning to install Cursor on Ubuntu 24.04, this guide will lead you through the entire process step by step. From setting up the necessary dependencies to creating a desktop entry, and configuring your system so you can easily open a project using the cursor .
Step 1: Install Fuse
To begin, you’ll need to install Fuse, which is a prerequisite for running AppImage files. Use the following command to install libfuse2t64
:
sudo apt install libfuse2t64
Step 2: Download the Cursor AppImage
Head over to the official Cursor website and download the AppImage file. Make sure to note the exact file name and version.
Step 3: Make the AppImage Executable
Once you’ve downloaded the Cursor AppImage, navigate to the directory where it’s located, typically the Downloads folder:
cd ~/Downloads
Next, make the AppImage file executable by running:
chmod +x cursor-0.39.5x86_64.AppImage
(Modify the file name to match the version you downloaded.)
Step 4: Move the AppImage to a Permanent Location
For easier access, move the AppImage file to the /opt directory and rename it to something simple like cursor.AppImage:
sudo mv cursor-0.39.5x86_64.AppImage /opt/cursor.AppImage
Step 5: Create a Desktop Entry for Cursor
To make Cursor easily accessible from your applications menu, you’ll need to create a desktop entry. Open a text editor with root privileges:
sudo nano /usr/share/applications/cursor.desktop
Add the following content to the file:
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Cursor
Exec=/opt/cursor.AppImage
Icon=<CHANGE THIS TO THE LOCATION OF YOUR ICON FILE>
Type=Application
Categories=Development;
Make sure to replace the Icon path with the actual location of your icon file. If you don’t have an icon yet, see the next step.
Step 6: Get an Icon for Cursor
You’ll want a nice icon to go with your application. Here’s how you can create one:
Download a logo: Visit the official Cursor website and find the logo video.
Extract an image: Use EZGIF or another tool to create an image from the video.
Round the edges: You can use online tools or image editing software to round the edges of the icon.
Save the icon: Create a directory to store your icons:
mkdir -p ~/.local/share/icons
Save your icon in this directory and update the Icon path in your .desktop
file.
...
Icon=<HOME_DIRECTORY>/.local/share/icons/cursor-logo.png
...
Step 7: Fix the AppArmor Error
Sometimes, running the AppImage may trigger an AppArmor error. Here’s how to fix it:
Create an AppArmor profile: Open a new file in the following location:
sudo nano /etc/apparmor.d/cursor-appimage
Add the following content:
abi <abi/4.0>,
include <tunables/global>
profile cursor /opt/cursor.AppImage flags=(unconfined) {
userns,
include if exists <local/cursor>
}
Run the parser to apply the changes:
sudo apparmor_parser -r /etc/apparmor.d/cursor-appimage
Step 8: Create a Wrapper Script
To make launching Cursor easier, create a wrapper script:
Create the script:
sudo nano /usr/local/bin/cursor
Add the following content:
#!/bin/bash
/opt/cursor.AppImage "$@" > /dev/null 2>&1 &
"$@" passes any arguments you give to the cursor command.
> /dev/null 2>&1 & runs the command in the background, keeping your terminal free.
Make the script executable:
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/cursor
Step 9: Test the Setup
Finally, navigate to your project directory in the terminal and launch Cursor with:
cursor .
This should open the Cursor editor without leaving a running session in the terminal.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed and set up Cursor on Ubuntu 24.04. Enjoy your coding with AI!