Selecting Models
How to select models based on your task at hand
Choosing the right model helps you move faster, spend less, and get better results. Cursor supports all top-tier models. Most models can complete any task, but they behave differently, and those differences matter.
How models differ
Models are trained in different ways and respond in unique styles. Some “think before they code,” while others jump straight into writing. Some take initiative and move quickly, while others take time to understand your instructions before acting.
Here are some dimensions to consider:
- Assertiveness: Some models (like
gemini-2.5-proorclaude-3.7-sonnet) are confident and make decisions with minimal prompting. - Curiosity: Others (like
o3orclaude-3.5-sonnet) take time to plan or ask questions to understand context more deeply. - Context window: Some models can process more of your codebase at once, which is useful for large-scale tasks.
Why it matters
Each model has different strengths. Some excel at rapid implementation, while others are better suited to planning and exploring options. Choosing the right model allows you to:
- Get faster output
- Receive higher quality suggestions
Just like working with humans, each model interprets prompts differently. You’ll develop intuition over time: how each one reads, thinks, and acts. This helps you know which model fits your task best.
Model behavior
One way to think about model behavior is by how much initiative it takes.
Thinking models
These models infer your intent, plan ahead, and often make decisions without needing step-by-step guidance.
- Ideal for when you want the model to run with the task
- Less prompting required, though sometimes more opinionated
- Can make bigger changes than you might expect
Examples:
claude-3.7-sonnetgemini-2.5-proo3(designed for complex reasoning)
Use these when you’re exploring ideas, refactoring broadly, or want the model to act more independently.
Non-thinking models
These models wait for explicit instructions. They don’t infer or guess and are ideal when you want to steer the output directly.
- Ideal for precise, controlled changes
- Require more prompting, but behave more predictably
- Easier to guide, revise, and fine-tune
Examples:
claude-3.5-sonnetgpt-4.1
Use these when you want tight control, need consistent behavior, or are working on well-defined tasks.
Choosing by style
Many users pick their preferred model based on interaction style more than task type. Some like assertive models that take the lead. Others prefer ones that wait for instruction. claude-3.5-sonnet, claude-3.7-sonnet, gemini-2.5-pro, and gpt-4.1 can all serve as reliable daily drivers - it comes down to how much control you want.
How to select
Cursor gives you access to a curated set of high-performing models. You can choose based on multiple factors, here are some common ones:
1. Prompting style
| If you prefer to… | Models |
|---|---|
| Be in control, give clear instructions | claude-3.5-sonnet, gpt-4.1 |
| Let the model take initiative | claude-3.7-sonnet, gemini-2.5-pro, o3 |
2. Task type
Use this table to match your task to a suitable model:
| Task | Models |
|---|---|
| Small, scoped changes | claude-3.5-sonnet |
| Larger refactors | claude-3.7-sonnet, gemini-2.5-pro |
| Codebase navigation/search | gemini-2.5-pro, claude-3.7-sonnet, o3 |
| Planning or problem-solving | claude-3.7-sonnet, gemini-2.5-pro |
| Complex bugs or deep reasoning | o3 |
o3 is designed for complex, ambiguous problems. It is powerful but also slower and more resource-intensive, which makes it better suited for occasional use.
Selection tree
These are subjective recommendations. You should choose the model that works best for you.
Auto-select
Auto keeps you in flow by picking a reliable model from the pool above (excluding o3). It does not route based on task type, but is a solid default if you are unsure which to choose.
Save what works
Once you find combinations that work well, like specific prompts paired with certain models, you can save them as Custom Modes. These let you:
- Preselect a model
- Add custom instructions
- Reuse the setup for future tasks
Takeaways
- You should choose the model that works best for you
- Some models take initiative. They are useful for exploration, planning, and tasks where you want the model to contribute ideas.
- Others follow instructions closely. They are useful for precision, predictability, and tasks where you want direct control.
claude-3.5-sonnet,claude-3.7-sonnet,gemini-2.5-pro, andgpt-4.1are all strong daily drivers. Your choice depends on interaction style.o3is designed for the hardest problems.- Auto-select is a safe default if you are unsure.
- Save effective setups as Custom Modes to streamline your workflow.