Windsurf Integration

Windsurf (formerly Codeium's editor) uses a .windsurfrules file to provide custom instructions to its Cascade AI assistant. Any skill from Skills Playground can be pasted directly into this file.

What Is .windsurfrules?

The .windsurfrules file is a plain-text configuration file placed at the root of your project. Windsurf's Cascade AI reads it automatically and applies the instructions to all AI interactions -- code generation, refactoring, chat, and inline edits.

The format is nearly identical to .cursorrules. If you already have cursor rules, you can rename the file to .windsurfrules and it will work without changes.

Quick Setup

1. Browse the Skills Playground directory and find a skill for your project
2. Click the skill to view its system prompt
3. Copy the system prompt text
4. Create a .windsurfrules file at the root of your project
5. Paste the system prompt and save

Windsurf picks up the file automatically on your next interaction.

File Format

The .windsurfrules file uses plain text with no special syntax. Write clear, direct instructions:

# Project: My SaaS App

## Tech Stack
- React 19 with TypeScript
- Vite for bundling
- TanStack Query for data fetching
- Tailwind CSS v4

## Conventions
- Functional components with TypeScript interfaces
- Custom hooks for shared logic
- Prefer early returns over nested conditionals
- Use Zod for all form validation

## Avoid
- No class components
- No default exports
- Don't use useEffect for data fetching -- use TanStack Query

Commit .windsurfrules to version control so your entire team gets the same AI behavior.

Global Rules

Windsurf also supports global rules through Settings > Cascade > Custom Instructions. These apply to every project on your machine. Use global rules for personal preferences that aren't project-specific.

Project-level .windsurfrules take priority over global settings when they conflict.

Tips

• Keep it concise. Everything in .windsurfrules is loaded into the AI's context on every interaction. Aim for under 500 lines.
• Be specific. Concrete instructions produce better results than vague guidance.
• Combine multiple skills. Paste system prompts from several Skills Playground skills into one file for comprehensive coverage.
• Cross-editor compatibility. The same content works in .cursorrules, CLAUDE.md, and .github/copilot-instructions.md. Keep all formats in sync if your team uses multiple tools.

Read our comprehensive Windsurf Rules guide for advanced patterns, framework-specific templates, and best practices. Browse the skills directory to find skills for your stack.