# Cursor MCP setup for agent skills

> Source: <https://dev.to/skillgild/cursor-mcp-setup-for-agent-skills-4kpk>
> Published: 2026-10-06 22:03:53+00:00

To connect SkillGild to Cursor, install and sign in to the SkillGild CLI, then register its absolute executable path in Cursor's `mcp.json` as a local stdio server. An optional skill wrapper in `~/.cursor/skills/` helps the agent recognize when to use a hosted workflow.

Cursor supports `.cursor/mcp.json` inside a project and `~/.cursor/mcp.json` for your personal setup. Project configuration takes precedence when the same server name appears in both. The [official Cursor MCP guide](https://prod.cursor.com/help/customization/mcp) explains configuration, tool approvals and logs.

Use personal configuration if you want the connection available across projects. Use project configuration when the team needs the same server definition. Each teammate still signs in on their own machine; the configuration below contains no account credential.

Follow [Install the CLI](https://skillgild.dev/docs/marketplace#1-install-the-cli). The current method uses Go 1.26 or later and the SkillGild source checkout. Then run:

```
skillgild login
skillgild status
```

Confirm the browser's device code. The CLI stores its credential in the operating system's credential store, which the MCP process uses.

On macOS or Linux:

```
command -v skillgild
```

On Windows, use `where.exe skillgild`. Use the resulting absolute path because an application launched outside the terminal may have a different `PATH`.

Open your chosen `mcp.json`. Merge the `skillgild` entry into its existing `mcpServers` object so other connections stay intact. Replace the placeholder command with your executable's absolute path:

```
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "skillgild": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "/absolute/path/to/skillgild",
      "args": ["mcp"]
    }
  }
}
```

On Windows, use forward slashes or escaped backslashes in JSON paths. Save the file and restart Cursor. Inspect the connection in its MCP controls; the current interface exposes MCPs through Customize. Follow your configured tool approval policy when starting a workflow.

```
skillgild install logo-design --agent cursor
```

The CLI writes `~/.cursor/skills/logo-design/SKILL.md`. Cursor's [skills documentation](https://prod.cursor.com/docs/skills) explains local skill discovery. The wrapper identifies the workflow and how to call it; it requires the MCP connection for hosted tools.

```
Use the SkillGild Logo Design skill for a fictional cycling club called
North Loop. Start with three geometric concepts. Check one-color use
and small sizes, and show the proposed files before finalizing them.
```

For a hybrid skill, the agent starts a session, receives its instructions, calls the declared hosted tools where needed and closes the session. For a prompt skill, it calls `skillgild_run_skill`. Inspect the [Logo Design listing](https://skillgild.dev/skills/logo-design) for current inputs and access.

| Symptom | Check | 
|---|---|
| Server executable cannot be found | Use the actual absolute path; test `skillgild status` in a terminal | 
| Configuration is not recognized | Validate the JSON, its `mcpServers` object and the correct project/user file | 
| The wrong server definition is used | Look for the same name in project and user configuration | 
| Server appears but hosted calls fail | Check the CLI's account connection, then inspect the returned error | 
| No tool is called for your task | Ask explicitly for the installed skill and review the available/enabled tools | 

For server logs, open Cursor's Output panel and select MCP Logs. A local wrapper appearing in the skill list does not confirm that the server is connected. See [SkillGild's agent error handling](https://skillgild.dev/docs/quickstart-agents#handle-errors) for access and quota failures.

These configuration details were checked against Cursor documentation and the SkillGild CLI. An authenticated task still depends on your account approval and local environment.

Browse [hosted agent skills](https://skillgild.dev/skills), compare [skills and MCP](https://skillgild.dev/learn/agent-skills-vs-mcp), or follow the [Claude Code](https://skillgild.dev/learn/install-claude-code-skills) and [Codex CLI](https://skillgild.dev/learn/install-codex-skills) guides. The [Claude Code install guide](https://skillgild.dev/learn/install-claude-code-skills) connects these setup routes.

*Originally published at [skillgild.dev](https://skillgild.dev/learn/cursor-mcp-setup).*