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How to Add DeepSeek Models to Cursor: A Complete Guide

DeepSeek Cursor Integration

Introduction

Cursor IDE has revolutionized the way developers write code with AI assistance. While it comes with built-in support for various AI models, you can enhance your development experience by integrating DeepSeek's powerful models. This guide will show you how to add DeepSeek models to Cursor, offering a cost-effective alternative to other AI solutions. For a comprehensive comparison with other alternatives, check out our article on Cline and DeepSeek alternatives.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have:

  • A Cursor IDE installation
  • A DeepSeek account with API access
  • Minimum $5 balance in your DeepSeek account

Step-by-Step Integration Guide

1. Obtain DeepSeek API Key

  1. Visit the DeepSeek platform website
  2. Create an account or log in
  3. Navigate to API section
  4. Generate a new API key

2. Configure Cursor Settings

  1. Open Cursor Settings
  2. Navigate to AI Models section
  3. Disable all existing models temporarily
  4. Add a new custom model with these settings:
    • Base URL: https://api.deepseek.com
    • Model Name: deepseek-coder
    • API Key: Your DeepSeek API key

3. Verify Configuration

  1. Click the "Verify" button
  2. Wait for successful verification
  3. You can re-enable other models after verification if desired

Usage Tips

Chat Mode

  • Use Command/Ctrl + L to open chat
  • Select DeepSeek model from dropdown
  • Start chatting with the AI

Important Notes

  1. Model Names:

    • Use deepseek-coder for coding tasks
    • Use deepseek-chat for general conversation

  2. Common Issues:

    • If you get a 400 error, double-check the model name
    • Ensure your account has sufficient balance
    • Remove "@web" from prompts if experiencing issues

  3. Cost Efficiency:

    • DeepSeek offers competitive pricing
    • Approximately 7% of the cost compared to some alternatives
    • No usage limits with proper account balance

Limitations

  • Composer feature requires Cursor Pro subscription
  • Function calling/tools integration is limited
  • Some advanced features may not be available

Conclusion

Integrating DeepSeek models with Cursor provides a powerful and cost-effective solution for AI-assisted development. While there are some limitations, the combination offers excellent value for most development tasks.

Next Steps

For more advanced usage and alternatives, consider exploring our guide on using Cline with DeepSeek for additional development workflows.