AI Coding Config Generator
Generate project configuration files for your AI coding editor. Select your tool and tech stack below.
Generated .cursorrules
Select your AI tool and tech stack on the left →What Are AI Coding Config Files?
Project configuration files — also called rules files or instruction files — are plain-text documents that tell your AI coding editor how your project is structured. Without one, the AI guesses your conventions based on generic patterns. With one, it knows your exact tech stack, coding style, test framework, and architectural decisions — leading to significantly better code suggestions and fewer hallucinations.
Every major AI coding tool supports a project-level config file. The file name and format differ by tool:
| Tool | File Name | Format | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cursor | .cursorrules | Markdown | Read automatically from project root |
| Windsurf | .windsurfrules | Markdown | Read automatically from project root |
| Cline | .clinerules | Markdown | Read automatically from project root |
| Claude Code | CLAUDE.md | Markdown | Read automatically from project root |
| GitHub Copilot | .github/copilot-instructions.md | Markdown | Stored in .github/ folder |
| Aider | CONVENTIONS.md | Markdown | Loaded via .aider.conf.yml config |
| Continue | .continuerc.json | JSON | Project config with model and rule settings |
| Devin | devin.md | Markdown | Placed in project root for project context |
| Bolt.new | bolt.instructions.md | Markdown | Guides code generation in the browser |
| Lovable | lovable.instructions.md | Markdown | Guides code generation in the browser |
| Replit AI | .replit/ai-rules | Markdown | Stored in .replit/ folder |
Why Your AI Editor Needs a Config File
Without a config file, AI coding editors make assumptions based on general patterns. This leads to common problems:
- Wrong framework imports — Your project uses Vue, but the AI generates React code
- Inconsistent code style — Mixing arrow functions and function declarations
- Incorrect dependencies — Suggesting packages you don't use
- Architectural violations — Breaking your folder structure conventions
A well-written config file solves all of this. The AI reads it on every interaction and generates code that matches your project's actual conventions.
Best Practices for Writing Config Files
Be Specific About Your Stack
Don't just say "TypeScript with React." Specify the version and conventions: "TypeScript 5.5 strict mode, React 19 with Server Components, Next.js App Router, Tailwind CSS v4, Vitest for unit tests." The more specific you are, the better the AI understands your constraints.
Document Architecture Constraints
State dependency directions explicitly: "All database queries go through the repository layer. UI components never directly import from services." This prevents the AI from creating architectural violations.
List Forbidden Patterns
Tell the AI what not to do: "Never use any in TypeScript. Never modify files in src/generated/. Never install packages without asking." These constraints catch many common AI mistakes.
Keep It Focused
Config files work best at 50-150 lines. Focus on what's unique to your project, not generic coding advice. Too short and the AI lacks context; too long and important rules get buried.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a config file for every project?
For simple projects (single-file scripts, standard framework templates), the default AI behavior may be sufficient. For any project with specific conventions or a non-standard tech stack, a config file significantly improves output quality.
Can I use one config file for multiple tools?
Some tools can read each other's config files as fallbacks. However, each tool has its own priority order, so the safest approach is to use the tool-specific file name. Use the generator above to create the right file for your tool.
Should I commit config files to Git?
Yes. Config files are plain text configuration with no secrets. Committing them ensures every team member benefits from the same AI rules.
How do I get started?
Select your AI coding tool from the dropdown, pick your tech stack, and click "Copy to Clipboard." Create the config file in your project root, paste the content, and restart your editor. The AI will immediately start following your project conventions.