Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that can help you build applications faster. When combined with Unkey’s APIs, you can quickly generate secure, scalable applications with API key management and rate limiting.

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Prerequisites

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Getting Started

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1. Set Up Your Unkey Workspace

First, create your Unkey workspace and get your API keys:
1

Create an API

Navigate to the Unkey Dashboard and create a new API for your project.
2

Get Your Root Key

Go to Settings > Root Keys and create a new root key with the necessary permissions.
3

Note Your API ID

Copy your API ID from the dashboard - you’ll need this for generating API keys.

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2. Set Up Unkey MCP Server (Optional)

Cursor supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP) which allows you to connect directly to Unkey’s APIs. This gives Cursor access to your Unkey workspace for more intelligent suggestions.

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Install Unkey MCP Server

  1. Configure the MCP Server Create or update your Cursor configuration file with the Unkey MCP server: 
    {
  "mcpServers": {
    "Unkey": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp.unkey.com/mcp/v1",
        "--header",
        "MCP-UNKEY-BEARER-AUTH:${UNKEY_ROOT_KEY}"
      ]
    }
  }
}
    For ratelimiting specific operations, you can also add: 
    {
  "mcpServers": {
    "UnkeyRateLimiting": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-remote",
        "https://mcp.unkey.com/mcp/ratelimits/",
        "--header",
        "MCP-UNKEY-V2-ROOT-KEY:${UNKEY_ROOT_KEY}"
      ]
    }
  }
}
  2. Set Environment Variable 
    export UNKEY_ROOT_KEY="your_root_key_here"
  3. Restart Cursor Restart Cursor to load the MCP server configuration.

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Tips and Tricks for Cursor with Unkey

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1. Keep Your Requests Small

When working with Cursor, break down complex tasks into smaller, focused requests: Good: 
Create a function to verify an API key with Unkey that returns a boolean
Better: 
Create a TypeScript function that:
- Takes an API key string as input
- Uses @unkey/api to verify the key
- Returns a boolean indicating if the key is valid
- Includes proper error handling

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2. Update and Reference Your README.md

Keep your project’s README.md updated with Unkey-specific information. Cursor uses this context to provide better suggestions: 
# My Project

This project uses Unkey for API authentication and ratelimiting.

## Environment Variables
- `UNKEY_ROOT_KEY`: Your Unkey root key
- `UNKEY_API_ID`: Your API ID from the Unkey dashboard

## API Routes
- `/api/protected` - Requires valid API key
- `/api/keys` - Manage API keys (admin only)

## Rate Limiting
- Free tier: 100 requests/hour
- Pro tier: 1000 requests/hour

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Add Unkey Documentation Context

Adding Unkey docs can let you specifically refer to Unkey features when building your app. From Cursor Settings > Features > Docs add new doc, use the URL “https://unkey.com/docs”