# How to use Cursor with Subconscious

> To use Cursor with Subconscious, install the Subconscious CLI with `npm install -g subconscious-cli`, run `subc login`, then run `subc cursor install`. subc points Cursor at the OpenAI-compatible Subconscious API, so it runs on open models like GLM-5.3 Marathon, billed per token.

Canonical page: https://www.subconscious.dev/agents/terminal-and-ide/cursor
Category: [Terminal and IDE agents](https://www.subconscious.dev/agents/terminal-and-ide)
Last verified: 2026-09-30
Cursor: https://cursor.com

## Before you start

- Node.js and npm, to install the subc CLI
- A Subconscious account
- Cursor installed

## Set up Cursor

### 1. Install the Subconscious CLI

subc is the open-source Subconscious CLI. It signs you in, stores your API key, and wires coding agents to the Subconscious API.

```bash
npm install -g subconscious-cli
```

### 2. Log in

This opens your browser to sign in or create an account, then saves your API key and a ready-to-use default profile on your machine.

```bash
subc login
```

### 3. Connect Cursor

subc installs the Subconscious conversation and context compaction hooks into Cursor.

```bash
subc cursor install
```

### 4. Add the endpoint in Cursor Settings

In Cursor Settings, add a custom OpenAI-compatible model with these values.

- Base URL: `https://api.subconscious.dev/v1`
- API key: `Your Subconscious API key`
- Model: `subconscious/glm-5.3-marathon`

## Connection details

- OpenAI-compatible base URL: https://api.subconscious.dev/v1
- Anthropic-compatible base URL: https://api.subconscious.dev
- API key: From subc login or the Subconscious dashboard
- Model: subconscious/glm-5.3-marathon
- Multimodal, high-throughput model: subconscious/deepseek-v4.1-flash-marathon

Full API reference: https://docs.subconscious.dev

## Frequently asked questions

### Which model does Cursor use on Subconscious?

The default model on your subc profile, subconscious/glm-5.3-marathon unless you change it. subconscious/deepseek-v4.1-flash-marathon is a cheaper, high-throughput alternative that also takes image input. Run subc with no arguments and choose Set default model to switch.

### Does subc change my Cursor configuration?

subc merges its provider and hooks into your existing Cursor configuration and never replaces it. Run subc cursor uninstall to remove them.

### Is Cursor on Subconscious OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible?

This guide connects Cursor through the OpenAI-compatible Subconscious API. Subconscious serves both formats: OpenAI Chat Completions at https://api.subconscious.dev/v1 and Anthropic Messages at https://api.subconscious.dev.

### How is Cursor usage on Subconscious billed?

Per token by default, with no commitment. Heavy users can switch to a monthly token plan: a fixed price for a large daily token allowance shared across your team.