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Opening VS Code Workspace Files with Cursor on macOS

I switched from VS Code to Cursor for daily development. One small hiccup on macOS: .code-workspace files didn’t open in Cursor by default. Here’s the fix I use.

Why Cursor?

Cursor is a VS Code fork with AI-native workflows (inline edits, composer, chat). The transition is smooth because extensions and settings largely carry over.

The macOS Workspace Issue

By default, .code-workspace files were still associated with VS Code instead of Cursor.

How to Make Cursor the Default for Workspace Files

Set Cursor as the default application for .code-workspace files:

  1. Locate a .code-workspace file in Finder.
  2. Right-click → Get Info.
  3. In “Open with:”, choose “Other…”.
  4. Set “Enable” to “All Applications”.(1)
  5. Pick Cursor and click “Add”.
  6. Click “Change All…” to apply globally.
  1. Change “Enable” to “All Applications”.
    Enable All Applications