Guide

Use --user-data-dir for isolated Cursor accounts

Cursor’s --user-data-dir flag points the editor at a private userdata folder. Each folder is a full account boundary: sign-in, settings, extensions, and chat. Point work and personal at different paths to run both without signing out. Persona wraps the same boundary with status-bar switching and project rules.

Steps

1. Create a directory, for example mkdir -p ~/.cursor-userdata/work.
2. On macOS, launch with /Applications/Cursor.app/Contents/MacOS/Cursor --user-data-dir="$HOME/.cursor-userdata/work".
3. Sign into the account that belongs in that directory.
4. Repeat for personal or client folders. Save each command as a shell alias or Dock launcher app.
5. Or install Persona to manage those directories and open them from the status bar.

Common mistake

Launching the stock Cursor Dock icon always uses the default userdata. Custom --user-data-dir launchers must stay separate from that icon, or you will land in the wrong account.

Related guides

• Switch Cursor accounts without signing out
• Persona vs Dock launchers and Userdata Switcher
• Profiles vs accounts