From v0 to Cursor: Scaling Your AI Prototypes

The Modern Development Bridge

AI tools like and are incredibly powerful for rapidly creating "version 0" of an application. You can go from an idea to a working prototype in minutes.

But what happens next? As your project grows, you'll need the power of a full-fledged Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This guide shows you how to build the bridge from your browser-based prototype to a local setup using .

The core workflow is: → → .

When to Make the Leap

Browser-based AI tools are fantastic for speed, but you'll know it's time to transition to a local IDE like when you need to:

Step 1: Export from v0 to GitHub

The first step is to move your code from v0 into a permanent, version-controlled home on GitHub. v0 makes this incredibly simple with its built-in export functionality.

1. Open the Export Menu

   In your v0 project, click the "..." menu in the top-right corner.

   

2. Add to Codebase

   Select "Add to codebase". This will open a dialog to connect to your GitHub account.

3. Create a New Repository

   Choose "Create new repository" and give your project a name. v0 will automatically create a new repository in your GitHub account and push all the project files to it.

   

Step 2: Clone to Your Local Machine

Now that your code is on GitHub, you need to bring it to your computer. This is called "cloning." We recommend using GitHub Desktop for a simple, visual experience.

1. Get the Repository URL

   On your new GitHub repository page, click the green "Code" button and copy the HTTPS URL.

   https://github.com/your-username/your-repo-name.git

2. Clone in GitHub Desktop

   Open GitHub Desktop, go to "File" > "Clone Repository...". Select the "URL" tab, paste the URL you copied, choose a local path where you want to save the project, and click "Clone".

   

Step 3: Open in Cursor and Continue Building

With the project on your local machine, you're ready to unleash the full power of an AI-native IDE like Cursor.

1. Open the Project Folder

   Launch Cursor, then go to "File" > "Open Folder..." and select the project folder you just cloned from GitHub.

2. Explore Your Project

   You'll see the exact same file structure from v0, now in a powerful local environment. You can now:

   • Use Cursor's AI chat to refactor code or add new features.
   • Open the integrated terminal to install dependencies (`npm install`).
   • Start the local development server (`npm run dev`).
   • Use the debugger to troubleshoot issues.
   

Next Steps

You've successfully bridged the gap from prototype to production-ready development. Your workflow is now supercharged for both speed and power.