Starter prompts
Good prompts make better products. Here are templates you can paste directly into Cursor.
Think of these like PLAN.md files — the more context and specificity you give the AI, the better the output.
Landing page
Build a landing page for [product name], a [type of product] for [audience]. The page should include: - A hero section with a compelling headline, a subheadline that explains the value, and a primary CTA button - A section with 3 key features, each with a short title and 1-sentence description - A social proof section (testimonials, logos, or stats) - A final CTA section - A minimal footer with links Design requirements: - Modern, clean, lots of whitespace - Color palette: [your brand color] + neutrals only (white, gray, near-black) - Font: Inter for body, [display font] for headings - Mobile responsive - No stock photography. Use simple icons or no imagery. - Write all copy as if the product is real and already has customers. Use Next.js and Tailwind CSS.
App dashboard
Build a dashboard screen for [app name], a [type of app] for [audience]. The dashboard should show: - A greeting with the user's name - Key metrics or stats at the top (3-4 cards) - A main content area with [describe: a list, a feed, a chart, etc.] - A sidebar or top navigation with [describe: key sections] Design requirements: - Clean, minimal interface - Left sidebar navigation on desktop, bottom nav on mobile - Color palette: [your brand color] + neutrals - Use realistic data, not placeholders - Prioritize clarity and hierarchy — the most important info should be immediately visible Use Next.js and Tailwind CSS.
Personal portfolio
Build a personal portfolio website for [name], a [role/major] at Rice University. The page should include: - A hero with my name, a short bio (2-3 sentences), and links to LinkedIn/GitHub/email - A "Projects" section showcasing 3 projects with titles, descriptions, and links - An "About" section with more detail about interests and background - A clean, distinctive design that shows personality Design requirements: - Pick a unique but tasteful color palette (not blue) - Strong typography — the design should feel typographically driven - Generous whitespace - Mobile responsive - Real content — use my actual name and write realistic project descriptions Use Next.js and Tailwind CSS.
How to write good prompts
- 1.Be specific about what you want. "Make it look good" is a bad prompt. "Use a warm earth-tone palette with generous whitespace and a serif display font" is a good prompt.
- 2.Describe the feeling you want. Words like "premium," "playful," "minimal," "bold," "editorial" help the AI make better design decisions.
- 3.Paste screenshots of sites you like. Cursor can see images and will match the style.
- 4.Iterate in small steps. Don't try to get it perfect in one prompt. Build the structure first, then refine the details.
- 5.If something looks off, describe what's wrong specifically: "The heading is too small relative to the hero image" is better than "fix the hero section."