Why `@file` is not working in .mdc files anymore?

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor IDE

Describe the Bug

Previously in the .mdc rule files, I can type @ and there will be a file picker for me to quickly select files I want to refer to. But now when you create a .mdc file, the @ is not popping up anything. This is frustrating. Any one met the same problem?

Steps to Reproduce

Open any dir and try using @ in the cursor rule file.

Operating System

MacOS

Current Cursor Version (Menu → About Cursor → Copy)

Version: 1.5.11 (Universal)
VSCode Version: 1.99.3
Commit: 2f2737de9aa376933d975ae30290447c910fdf40
Date: 2025-09-05T03:48:32.332Z
Electron: 34.5.8
Chromium: 132.0.6834.210
Node.js: 20.19.1
V8: 13.2.152.41-electron.0
OS: Darwin arm64 24.6.0

anyone has the same issue?

same issue, that’s really a long time issue

Hey, thanks for the report. When that window opens, start typing “mdc” to list all your rule files. You can also use the special Rules feature for this.

Hi thanks for your response. I believe you may misunderstand, the problem is: in the rule file, the @ is not working. There supposed to be a pop-up for all files I can choose.

Ah, sorry. Yes, it’s not working yet. But the team is aware, and I believe it will be fixed.

1 Like

It is still not working now… anyone want the same feature back

Any update on this?

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor IDE

Describe the Bug

I used to be able to tag/add files in rule (.mdc) files the same way I do in chat with the @ sign with the same UI and everything, but this is no longer working. AKA I type @ and the file search dropdown does not appear.

I also noticed in other rule files that I have tagged files in the past, the custom cursor UI with @filename inline like it looks like in chat are all gone and have all been converted to [FILENAME](mdc:FILENAME).

Steps to Reproduce

Make a new rule file in the settings

Try to add context with @

Nothing shows up

Expected Behavior

It lets me tag files like it always has/like it does in chat/like it says I can in the docs: Rules | Cursor Docs

Operating System

MacOS

Current Cursor Version (Menu → About Cursor → Copy)

Version: 1.7.46
VSCode Version: 1.99.3
Commit: b9e5948c1ad20443a5cecba6b84a3c9b99d62580
Date: 2025-10-14T01:21:46.830Z
Electron: 34.5.8
Chromium: 132.0.6834.210
Node.js: 20.19.1
V8: 13.2.152.41-electron.0
OS: Darwin arm64 24.6.0

Does this stop you from using Cursor

No - Cursor works, but with this issue